As the year draws to a close the flurry to top up personal pension funds is once more under way. The end of the 1996/97 tax year allows the self-employed to shelter part of their total income in a pension fund.

For those under 55 years, the Revenue Commissioners will allow you to make a lump sum contribution of up to 15 per cent of your relative net earnings. Those over 55, can add up to 20 per cent of their net earnings for the year to a pension fund.