The nominal value outstanding of government bonds at the end of August stood at €112.1 billion, according to Central Bank data. This was broadly unchanged from the end of July.

Credit institutions and the Central Bank accounted for 92 per cent of these holdings.

The resident non-bank financial sector reported holdings of €2.5 billion in August 2014 of which holdings by other financial intermediaries stood at €879 million.

The Central Bank said 30 per cent of outstanding Government bonds will mature within the next five years.