Government Bonds - how to minimise cost to buy?

[Galway quest]

Does anyone have any information of how to buy (Irish) Government / Treasury Bonds at a low cost? Have been quoted a % cost from a stockbroker which is v. high. Perhaps someone knows of a way to buy at a flat fee which may work out cheaper?

 

[Labguy]

I investigated this a while back. It seems to be only possible by paying a broker ridiculous fees for doing next to nothing. I believe in the UK you can buy their bonds at the local Post Office counter.

Anyone know why it's not possible here?

 

[long_boy]

Has anyone gotten any more ideas on this since this thread was last visited 2 years ago? Now that irish Government bonds are paying high rates it seems an attractive investment

 

[Brendan Burgess]

You should consider buyin these bonds through a managed fund with no initial or exit charges.

tax
Income from bonds is subject to income tax at your marginal rate.
However, capital gains on bonds is are exempt from CGT.

The entire gains on a manged fund is subject to Exit tax.

Initial charges and exit charges
Should be zero on managed funds -
What are you being quoted by stockbrokers?

Annual managment charges
1% on management funds
zero on direct holding of bonds.