Prize Bonds

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Questions (237)

Aidan Farrelly

Question:

237. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the value of the unclaimed prize bonds registered on the unclaimed prizes database; if he will provide the top ten longest unclaimed prizes; whether interest accrues on unclaimed prizes; and the cost of maintaining and managing unclaimed prizes in the fund. [32975/26]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The NTMA has informed me that at the end of 2025, the number of unclaimed prizes amounted to €5.35 million. The value of unclaimed prizes is reported in the Prize Bond Company annual report each year.

The top ten longest unclaimed prizes are listed below:

1964, €63.49

1966, €126.97

1967, €126.97

1969, €126.97

1970, €126.97

1971, €126.97

Interest was paid on unclaimed prizes up until 2017, when the policy changed to reflect the prevailing negative interest rate environment at the time.

Since 2018, prize winners have the option of having their prize money transferred to their bank account or having their prize money automatically reinvested in new Prize Bonds.

The cost of maintaining and managing unclaimed prizes forms part of the total fee payable to the Prize Bond Company for providing the service. In 2025 the total fee amounted to €12.8 million but the cost of maintaining and managing unclaimed prizes is not disclosed separately.