Income tax relief - Pensions

The state's angle is to encourage people to have pensions.

The money you get when you retire and are paid your pension is taxable.

If you can provide more for yourself, they don't have to. Do you want a hug and cuddle from the state?

Because people who can pay for themselves in retirement cost the State less than people who can't. In fact, not only do they cost the State less, they continue to contribute to the State's finances though income tax and USC on their pension payments.

It's kind of self evident, so it sounds like you've some other angle with your questions. Maybe just get to the point?

But that's not what the electorate have elected the Government to implement.

No, but unlike State pensions, political corruption is rare in contemporary Ireland, and punishable by the law.

But I've a funny feeling that your ideas of "corruption" is much different thing to what it's commonly held to be, so you'll disagree.

Anyway, now you understand why there's tax relief on pension contributions.