Many thanks for the reply Mula. It was quite interesting.
The clarification on the Income Protection Insurance confirmed my feelings on the matter.
I had read many comments to the effect that it was not possible to fund for more than 50% income (after 150% lump sum) but I was not aware of the difference for married people.
I can see that it would be worth her while looking more into setting up AVCs.
For clarification, her husband is retired and does not receive any pension other than the old-age pension (and possibly not even that?)
They do not receive any other income other than from her teaching role.
I'm guessing (based on looking at the teachers salary scale) that her income is of the order of €50,000 to €60,000 now.
I have looked at the advantages/disadvantages of using companies other than cornmarket for setting up AVCs. I can see that the main disadvantage would be having to claim back the tax refund at the end of the year, as opposed to getting the relief at source.
Otherwise I can imagine a disadvantage that my gf's mother would see is convenience (which cornmarket of course count on).
Would I be correct in assuring her that setting up e.g. an Eagle Star PRSA through a broker would be as straightforward as setting it up with Cornmarket?
In people's experience would all the companies offering PRSAs be pretty equal, in terms of, ease of dealing with them?
Do any of them, for example, specialise in the type of PRSA I'm talking about here? (Public pension-close to retirement age)