Prize Bond fund a record €1bn

PRIZE BOND sales have recorded very strong growth in the first nine months of 2009, pushing the total fund above €1 billion for the first time in its 52-year history.

By end September 2009 the fund witnessed a sharp 26% increase since the start of the year, putting the total value of the bonds held to more than €1.014bn.

Last night a spokeswoman said “several factors” explain the rush to bonds at present including the “uncertain times we live in”.