Joined public sector, want to do AVCs

The ‘deduction through payroll’ part is a bit of a red herring.

Revenue will code your contributions to any PRSA into your monthly tax credits so you get the same net effect through payroll.
 
Have just noticed that my IRIS Lifestyle AVC fund has gone dwn in value for the first time by a few thousand, nothing major but wondering if this is going to be a long term trend, and if l should reduce contribution which automatically increases each year, still have minimum 5-15 yrs max on it, joined 2006,, maybe more of an issue for those joining such a scheme....
 
Yes you definitely should. Also Beef or Salmon is going to win the 2:30 at Newmarket tomorrow.
 
A pension is a long (or at least medium in your case) term investment and to (over)react to market fluctuations would be foolhardy.