Ireland has appointed its first financial literacy ambassadors as the government seeks to improve public understanding of money management and encourage people to take greater control of their finances.
Gráinne Griffin, Director of Financial Education at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and Denis Carrigan, President of the Association of Teachers of Home Economics, will take on the new roles.
The ambassadors will promote key messages about financial literacy and help raise awareness of the tools, information and support available to people managing their money. They will also play a role in supporting Ireland’s National Financial Literacy Strategy, which is led by the Department of Finance.
The strategy’s 2025 Annual Review and Action Plan for 2026-2027 was published in June. It set out several priorities for the coming period, including strengthening financial education linked to retail investment.
A particular focus will be the new Investment Account, which is expected to be introduced in 2027. The government has identified greater public knowledge of investment and financial products as an important part of improving financial wellbeing.
The appointments follow an invitation for expressions of interest issued earlier this year by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris. The government said the ambassadors would provide accessible and trusted voices on financial matters and help promote greater public engagement with financial education.
“I am delighted to appoint Gráinne Griffin and Denis Carrigan as Ireland’s first ever financial literacy ambassadors,” Harris said.
He said the ambassadors would help promote the tools, knowledge and supports available to improve financial literacy while encouraging a wider discussion about financial wellbeing across society.
Financial literacy has become an increasingly important policy issue as households face complex decisions involving savings, borrowing, pensions, investments and everyday spending. Government officials have said better access to clear financial information can help people make more informed decisions and plan for the future.
Griffin brings experience from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, where she works on financial education and consumer awareness. Carrigan’s role in the Association of Teachers of Home Economics gives him experience in education and the development of practical skills relevant to household financial management.
Their appointments are expected to support the next phase of Ireland’s national strategy and help bring financial education to a wider audience.
The government has said the ambassadors will work to make financial information easier to understand and encourage people across different age groups and backgrounds to engage more actively with their finances.
