Not necessarily true. Fairly recently, if you didn't have 1500 hours P1 in aircraft over 5700kg, you effectively had to start from scratch, 14 written exams (all essay answers), 2 all-day flight tests, which could take a year or more to complete. Now I dont think you can do it at all in Ireland.
If you have the 1500 hours, they may consider a validation. Rather you than me.
GOOD LUCK!!!