IR within 3 yrs of last exam passes is correct (FCL-2.495).
However that's not all you need to do to upgrade to ATPL(H) per FCL2.280.
1000Hrs flight time,
350hrs multi pilot (in a multi pilot aircraft) under IFR.
250hrs PIC or 100Hrs PIC + 150 P1S.
200Hrs Cross Country (100Hrs of that PIC).
70Hrs instrument (not more than 30 in a sim).
100Hrs Night.
You need all of these now for the issue of a JAR ATPL(H).
ATPL(H) must be obtained with 7 years of the 'last validity date' of the IR(H). I presume if the IR is revalidated then exam passes are extended for this purpose.
Big change from the old system.
V.