Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Finance the details of the uptake to 31 May 2010 of the National Solidarity Bond including the number of applicants and the total amounts. [24652/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In Budget 2010, I announced the Government's intention to launch a National Solidarity Bond, the purpose of which is to allow citizens an opportunity to invest and provide money to the State to stimulate economic recovery and to assist in the maintenance and creation of employment. The necessary legislative basis was provided in this year's Finance Act and the Bond was launched on Tuesday 4 May.

As of Friday last, 11 June, a total of €47 million had been invested by 1,800 customers. On average, this means that, each working day since it was launched, some 64 customers invested a total of €1.7 million in the Bond.

The Deputy asked specifically for the uptake on the Bond to Monday 31 May. As of that date, the amount invested in the Bond was approximately €34 million from 1,300 customers.

Brochures, application forms, terms and conditions and Frequently Asked Questions on the National Solidarity Bond are available on the internet (www.StateSavings.ie) and additional information is available from a dedicated telephone line 1850 30 50 60 or by visiting any Post Office.