Question about first-time buyer status

My wife and I are currently living abroad, where we own a house. We are planning to return to Ireland soon and would like to buy a house. She will not have a job so I will be applying for the mortgage solely. If we transfer the deed of our current house into her name only, would I be considered a first-time buyer?

No- if you own, or have ever owned, a house, in Ireland or abroad, then you are not a FTB.