Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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68. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which it might be found possible to establish a Government development bond to generate the necessary resources to meet the demands of the housing crisis without affecting balance sheet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8813/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The primary role of the National Treasury Management Agency is to ensure that sufficient funding is available at all times to meet the day-to-day requirements of the Exchequer. It is a matter for the Agency to decide when and how much to borrow in the light of those needs, commercial considerations surrounding the raising of debt on the markets and the need to maintain an appropriate level of liquidity. All monies raised through Government borrowing are paid into the Central Fund and used to fund Government spending as approved by the Oireachtas. It has never been the custom to  link borrowing to specific projects as to do so would limit the flexibility of the Government in managing the State's finances.

There are a number of options available to individuals who wish to help support the Government's work in promoting economic growth and employment. The National Solidarity Bonds were introduced to provide a wider range of options for retail investors. The Minister for Finance in announcing Budget 2010 launched the 10-year National Solidarity Bond, the purpose of which was 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. Following the success of the launch of the ten-year National Solidarity Bond a four-year National Solidarity Bond was launched in 2011.

The NTMA's other State Savings products, available through any Post Office, allow people to support the Exchequer through Savings Bonds, Savings Certificates and Instalment Savings. There are also possibilities in place for people interested in investing in longer-term Government bonds. Irish sovereign bonds are available through seventeen Primary Dealers recognised by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). The NTMA has published information on their website () which gives the names and contact details for institutions which sell bonds to the public, and the fees they charge.