As the Deputy will be aware, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), a statutory body under the aegis of the Minister for Finance, has responsibility for the management of Ireland's range of Government savings products.
I am informed by the NTMA that the overall level of investment in State Savings products, including in Post Office Savings bank deposits, has increased from just under €12.7 billion at end-2010 to just under €19.5 billion at end-2015.
During this five year period, the following increases were observed in that the number:
- holders of Prize Bonds increased by some 230,000;
- customers of the Fixed Term products (such as Savings Certificates, Savings Bonds) increased by some 81,000; and
- Post Office Savings Bank deposit customers increased by some 250,000.
These trends demonstrate the demand for State Savings products. These products offer a range of options to suit the needs of personal savers and they are at competitive interest rates and provide good value for holders and customers.