asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the popularity of Prize Bonds as a medium of national savings he will arrange that they will in future be obtainable at any time of the year, as Saving Certificates are at present; or, if this cannot be arranged, if he will state the nature of any administrative, banking or other obstacles involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Availability of Prize Bonds.
8.
The placing of Prize Bonds on sale throughout the year would involve higher publicity and other issue expenses. In addition, in order to place all purchasers of bonds on an equal footing as regards participation in the draws for prizes, it would be necessary to hold draws more frequently than at present thereby entailing further expense. I am not at present satisfied that having the bonds on sale all the year round would result in sufficient extra investment to justify these higher costs to the Exchequer. In common with other aspects of the Prize Bonds scheme, however, the question of the sale periods for the bonds will continue to be kept under constant review.