Deano,
I've contacted the HOT of AerArann via email, he said that if i got myself an ATR rating, i'd get an interview. A good friend of mine has just left for easy, but whilst there, he did everything to help me, gave the C/P a CV and "held on file" for future intakes.
I've gone the slighty unconventional route to getting a job, I work in france on a very good contract and then come home on the weekends to do part-time instructing. The contract is hopefully going to pay for the rating so i don't go even more in hock.
I'm sure things will happen, good luck to those who are trying.