As far as I know the only state guaranteed savings and investments are with An Post i.e. saving bonds, saving certificates, prize bonds, national instalment savings. During the 80's, these were very attractive, e.g. saving certificates 61% over 5 years tax free, national instalment savings offering 70% etc. Money flowed into them, why not, excellent rates and state guaranteed. Then, as the Government's need for money declined, the rates came down and An Post products became far less attractive. Savers looked elsewhere, credit unions and banks like Northern Rock offered better rates and savers, young and old, diverted into these institutions. It is interesting to note the large number of middle aged and older savers now queuing up for their money at Northern Rock! In the 80's these people would have been the An Post savers. But is the circle now turning? All very well to have life savings in a bank but it is now dawning on these people is it worth it, higher interest versus state guarantee? Many of these savers are going through a lot of worry now, having sleepless nights worried how safe is their money in the bank? How safe is their money in the Credit Union? Is it a co-incidence An Post products have recently increased their interest rates? Will savers return to them? Only time will tell.