Hi, enquring for an irish born family member who worked in Ireland for a few years after college and then headed off to the states. Later married a US citizen.
For family reasons now considering a return home. But worried about the costs of moving back now - housing etc.
Someone told them they needed to be working here and paying PRSI for ten years to be eligable for the state pension - would that be correct? Would the years they worked previously be counted?
Their spouse is at retirement age so won't be looking for employment. I know the spouse would need to be resident here for three years before they can apply for irish citizenship. While resident in Ireland for those three years, would they be treated the same as an irish citizen would when using the public health system? Would they qualify for the non-contributory pension at any stage? Any advice would be appreciated.