It appears that you only have to pay the marginal tax on the money.Even though Prsi relief would also have been given up to 2011 when making the contributions.
In my case I seem to have overpaid into my avc account so I'm thinking if I take out the 30% I could pay it off a troublesome variable rate mortgage I have.(investment property).
I withdrew and had to pay the higher rate ... as that was what was allowed first day.
Very simple process ... got forms online from provider, filled them in and emailed them back (having scanned them in) and money was lodged into my account within 2 weeks.
Would this withdrawl not be charged at each individual persons appropriate tax rate, at the time of withdrawl - so for example, those who may be unlucky enough to not have an income at present, could use their annual tax allowance, others on low incomes might be taxed at the lower rate etc ?