Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has today (Saturday, July 25th) announced the appointment ofGráinne GriffinandDenis Carriganas Ireland’s first ever financial literacy ambassadors.

As financial literacy ambassadors, Ms Griffin and Mr Carrigan will communicate key messages around financial literacy and help empower Irish citizens – both young and old – to take control of their finances.

The ambassadors will play a key role in supporting theNational Financial Literacy Strategyled by the Department of Finance.

The2025 Annual Review and Action Plan 2026 – 2027for the Strategy was published in June. This outlines the key priorities for the Strategy, including financial education on retail investment, in particular on the new Investment Account which is set to be rolled out in 2027.

The ambassadors will also promote the EU Financial Literacy Strategy and take part in the EU network of national financial literacy ambassadors – helping ensure people have the confidence, knowledge and trusted information they need to make informed financial decisions.

These appointments follow anInvitation for Expressions of Interestin the role launched by the Tánaiste earlier this year.

On the ambassadors’ appointment, the Tánaiste said:

“I am delighted to appoint Gráinne Griffin and Denis Carrigan as Ireland’s first ever financial literacy ambassadors. I am confident they will bring passion, expertise and energy to this role, helping to make financial literacy relevant and accessible for people across the country.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to make the best of their money, whatever their circumstances.

“Whether its managing day-to-day finances, planning for major life events or investing for the future – having the confidence and knowledge to make informed financial decisions can make a real difference.

“As we prepare to introduce the new Investment Account, building financial literacy and confidence has never been more important.

“We want people to feel empowered to save and invest, and to have access to trusted information that helps them make choices that are right for them.

“Our ambassadors will act as trusted, accessible voices who will help promote the tools, knowledge and supports available to improve financial literacy, while also encouraging a broader conversation about the importance of financial wellbeing across society.”

“Working closely with my Department, Gráinne and Denis will support the delivery of the National Financial Literacy Strategy and represent Ireland as part of an EU network of financial literacy ambassadors.

“I look forward to working with them as we continue to improve financial literacy, strengthen financial resilience and help more people build a secure financial future.”

Welcoming the appointments, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy TD said:

“Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can equip people with.

“Whether it’s managing day-to-day finances, building savings or planning for the future, greater financial confidence empowers people to make informed decisions throughout their lives.

“I’m delighted to welcome Gráinne Griffin and Denis Carrigan as Ireland’s first Financial Literacy Ambassadors, and I know they will play an important role in supporting the National Financial Literacy Strategy and helping people across the country access trusted, practical information.

“I look forward to working with Gráinne and Denis in promoting the value and importance of financial literacy in the months ahead.”

Also speaking today, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD said:

“Financial literacy is an essential life skill that should form part of every learner’s journey through further and higher education.

“As students prepare for independent living, employment and future careers, understanding how to manage money, budget, save and make informed financial decisions is more important than ever.

“I welcome the appointment of Ireland’s first Financial Literacy Ambassadors and look forward to seeing them work with education providers and partners to help build these skills among students across the country.”

Gráinne Griffinis the Director of Financial Education at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), a new division established in July 2026.

Gráinne is also a member of the Steering Group of Ireland’s Financial Literacy Strategy and represents Ireland at the OECD’s International Network of Financial Education.

Gráinne was previously the Director of Communications, Consumer Information and Financial Education with the CCPC. Prior to joining the commission in 2020, Gráinne worked as a Senior Manager with the Citizens Information Board with responsibility for citizens information services, advocacy and ISL services, and social policy. Gráinne holds a Bachelor of Social Science from UCD, and Diplomas in Law and Employment Law from the Institute of Public Administration and the Law Society of Ireland.

DenisCarriganis the President of the Association of Teachers of Home Economics (ATHE).

Denis is an Economics and Home Economics teacher in St. Laserian’s Special School, Co. Carlow. He has been actively involved in promoting financial literacy for children and young people, established a regional professional learning programme for Home Economics teachers across Carlow–Kilkenny and promoting Global Money Week (GMW) as the CCPC’s GMW Ambassador.

The National Financial Literacy Strategy was published by the Minister of Finance in February 2025. The Strategy aims to improve the level of financial literacy in Ireland by bringing the stakeholders in our vibrant financial literacy ecosystem together, and increasing cooperation, coordination and cohesion – and thereby supporting greater overall financial wellbeing and resilience for everyone.

During the five-year lifetime of the Strategy, action plans will set out the key actions stakeholders have agreed to take to deliver on the aims and objectives of the Strategy.

The EU Financial Literacy Strategy, published by the European Commission in September 2025, aims to empower EU citizens with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to take charge of their financial future.

A key part of the EU’s Strategy is an EU-wide financial literacy campaign that complements and amplifies national efforts to raise citizens' financial awareness. This includes a network of financial literacy ambassadors across EU Member States. The European Commission has requested Member States to appoint between one and three financial literacy ambassadors.