This may clarify a little. There is an official document somewhere but I am in a third world country with really slow internet connection at the moment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Fr...ent_of_workers

Also, if you have a type rating on the ATR, I hear that they are begging for people with a type in Ireland, willing to sponsor you for a visa and convert to an irish license and everything. If your wife is mediterranean like mine, then Ireland may be a little on the cold side but it could be a step in the right direction if that's your goal, right? Check out Aer Arann, not sure if the deal is still going but worth checking out.
http://www.aerarann.com/about_us/jobs.htm