Hi in the end we could not go because I had further health issues. We will have to try again later - although I did discover that, as a British citizen, I should be able to travel under European freedom of movement rules and my wife and her dependent are entitled to travel with me or to join me in another EU country. Therefore, technically no visa should be required. Unfortunately, it appears that not all Irish immigration officers are aware of or prepared to acknowledge the rule.
http://www.solvitireland.ie/Living-a...ing-in-the-EU/ Is a useful link. as is http://ec.europa.eu/justice/policies...vement_low.pdf I was recommended to take the legislation with me to proof the entitlement in case it was challenged. This is at http://eumovement.wordpress.com/directive-200438ec/