Irish brokers for New Zealand reader

MRS It from Khandallah, Wellington, New Zealand is a shareholder in Allied

Irish Bank and CRH and is considering selling some of her shares but is unfamiliar with Dublin stockbrokers and how much they charge. "Can you supply me with the name of a Dublin broker so that I could call and have a conversation with them?" She is also interested in more information about Post Office Bonds, "which you made mention of in a recent article. Even from this remote part of the world, I am able to read some of your articles in The Irish Times."

The following is a list of the main stockbrokers, all of whom charge a standard buy and sell commission of 1 per cent of the value of the transaction or a minimum fee of at least £20, whichever is the greater: BCP Stockbrokers (01) 668 4688. Bloxham Stock-brokers (01) 677 6653. Butler & Briscoe (01) 677 7348. Campbell O'Connor & Co (01) 677 1773. J & E Davy (01) 679 7788.

Goodbody Stockbrokers (01) 667 0400. NCB Group (01) 661 4977. Riada Stockbrokers (01) 609 3700.

As for Post Office Savings Bonds, Mrs F is correct in her understanding that they pay a guaranteed, tax-free return of 14 per cent, but this is after three years. The cumulative return after one year is 3.6 per cent, 7.5 per cent after two years and the full 14 per cent only at the end of year three. You can withdraw your money at any time, but you will not he paid any interest if you withdraw in the first year.

There is a minimum investment of £100 in Savings Bonds and you must give seven days notice of withdrawal. An individual can save only up to £60,000 and twice that amount for a joint holding. The purchase of savings bonds can be made through any An Post branch. In Mrs F's case, she may wish to write to An Post Savings Bonds office, College House, Dublin 2.