PRSA option as both paye and self employed

Hello,

have been reading through some very informative posts on PRSA and pension options. I'm not very up to speed on information about pensions but am trying as quickly as i can to get as much knowledge as i can about it. My situation seems to sit across both PAYE and self employed and as such if there is any advice on the following i'd greatly appreciate it;

I am 32 and only now considering a pension due to the start stop nature of my work and the fact that i'm only achieving an income of 30K + now.

I am not entitled to a work pension scheme as I am often contracted by different companies/clients to do work as self employed or more recently have only been working PAYE with one company for a year now. So PRSA seems the likeliest option for me

My partner has an established public sector pension and we are married.


My questions would be
- Am i guaranteed to get my PRSA pension if i invest the necessary amount in it from now until i retire? I have noticed in the news about negative issues about pensions and i would like to have something saved for the future and not have it all go down the swanny. Is there such thing as taking out insurance on a pension?
- if say the company that i take out a PRSA with folds do i still get my pension?
- can my current employer contribute to my PRSA instead of giving me a raise. i noticed on the key posts, employers can contribute to a PRSA but does this have to be a fixed monthly amount?
- does it affect my tax relief if my partner has her public pension which as a married couple i am entitled to half of (as she is entitled to half of mine) and i have a PRSA as well?
- who do i call to talk to about a PRSA scheme? do i go to a broker or straight to the institutions themselves?

thanks
Paul

This is an important decision for you and you are best advised to get advice from a professional advisor. Your employer should have a recommended provider of a suitable scheme as I am pretty sure this legislation still stands for all employers. Set up a meeting with the Advisor and get the required answers to your questions. You don't have to accept the deal offered but the advice should be free and will give you an opportunity to make decisions based on more precise information than you may get here.

The following eBrief from Revenue may also provide you with some helpful info

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44Brendan and boaber thanks so much. its a real help to get pointed in right direction.