A few points for you to consider:
· Everything Conan says is good
· Its not either (mortgage/income protection) or (pension). You can do all of the above. This year, you could put some money towards a mortgage deposit and some towards a pension (and definitely some towards income protection). Next year, when you start paying your mortgage, you could reduce your pension contribution accordingly.
· Bear in mind that if you are paying tax, and especially if you are paying tax at the higher level, a pension payment is allowable at the higher rate, which means that Brian Lenihan almost doubles your investment. This is probably your best ever opportunity to get something back from the state.
· I am 22 years older than you. The money I stuck in my pension 22 years ago has truly gone forth and multiplied. The money I am putting in now will be lucky if it is still in one piece when I retire. (The early bird and all that)
· Start now, no matter how small your monthly/annual contribution. Like most habits, getting started is the hardest part.
· And one other point to bear in mind, it is almost impossible to take your pension money out again until you retire. So don’t overcommit in terms of monthly/annual contributions.
Lastly, you mention SART. The very mention of this term would suggest that you have limited knowledge of what is available. (No disrespect intended) I would strongly advise that you get the advice of a good independent financial advisor. Not an insurance company, not a GURU, not a one product sales muppet. There are a few who post on here and who you might like to consider.
Best of luck with it.