USEFUL RESOURCES

÷ DEPOSITGUARANTEE.IE This website, which is run by the Central Bank, gives a good overview of the Deposit Guarantee Scheme. It explains what is — and what is not — covered by the scheme. There are also some FAQs explaining where sole traders, partnerships and retirement funds stand under the guarantee. ÷ IRISHDEPOSITS.IE Run by the deposit broker, Finance One, this website provides up-to-date interest rates for personal and corporate deposits. It also has handy calculators where you can tot up the amount of interest you can earn when you put a lump sum on deposit. ÷ BONKERS.IE The ‘Money’ section of this personal finance website allows you to compare savings accounts — so that you can find the best interest rate available for a lump sum or regular savings account. ÷ EC.EUROPA.EU/COMMISSION This website gives information about the European Commission — including its policies, services and any new EU rules it is bringing in. Click ‘English’ to get into the English-language version of the website. Then type ‘Retail financial services action plan’ into the search bar to find out about the action plan published by the European Commission last month which seeks to make it easier for consumers to access financial products and services across the EU. ÷ CENTRALBANK.IE This is the website of the Central Bank of Ireland. It includes Central Bank research, publications and statistics, any warnings issued against unauthorised investment firms, and a consumer hub where you can find out what the Central Bank can do to protect you in your dealings with financial institutions. ÷ REVENUE.IE This is the website of the Revenue Commissioners. Its ‘Taxes and Duties’ section includes comprehensive information on the various taxes that must be paid, including the tax which must usually be paid on savings interest — which is known as DIRT (Deposit Interest Retention Tax). You can also find information about DIRT relief for first-time buyers on this website. ÷ STATESAVINGS.IE This website gives details of the various saving products available from State Savings, including its 10-year National Solidarity Bond – which is one of the few Irish deposit accounts which pays more than 1pc interest on a lump sum (though you must tie your money up for 10 years).