Living in UK working Ireland- tax & NHS

[Indiego]

I worked and paid in to the UK system for many years, but have then been working in finance in the Republic of Ireland for 5 years and paid tax only there. I retained a UK address but was not resident in the UK for this period. I am contemplating a return, partly with a view to being able to access the NHS if required in future, partly for personal reasons. I don't have preexisting conditions. I'd hope that if I returned, got a job and paid tax in the UK, I'd rain NHS eligibility. However a scenario could arise where I was 183 days. plus in the UK, but the bulk of my income and my tax payments happened in the Republic of Ireland. I am not quite clear then whether I'd still be NHS eligible. I'm not trying to game any system, just see what the actual law is. Thanks

We still have reciprocal rights with Ireland. Irish people can use the NHS for free, so I’m sure you’ll be able to as a UK citizen.

There is no issue with eligibility

Thanks- I know Irish people can use the NHS, but obviously they still need to be ordinarily resident in the UK (and possibly paying UK tax) to do so. Otherwise Irish people would all just drive to Northern Ireland rather than use the Irish HSE. I guess the question is more whether ordinary residence in the UK (and UK and Irish nationality) is sufficient, or whether your tax payments have to be in the UK as well. I gather with double taxation treaties you'd only pay the difference (if any) between what you'd paid at source in Ireland and what you would have paid in the UK, should you work abroad but live here

Honestly I work in the UK NHS and there is no issue with this at all

OP try posting on Craicnet. Usually the question is the other way round but I that's the best place for recent experiences.