Non-EEA Family Member For Irish Residents in The UK

[sertifik]

Hello all.
I would like to ask advice on this forum as I'm quite confused. I'm an Israeli national living in the UK with my civil partner who is an Irish citizen. I am here on an EEA family permit granted in Israel and which expires in November. We are looking to settle here permanently.

A lawyer told me that I will not be able to apply as civil partner of a British citizen or someone who is settled here. But from my understanding Irish citizens are already considered as settled from the day they arrive in the UK and have a sort of "special status" that holds them in a slightly higher standing than other EU citizens. Is this correct? Are Irish citizens treated more or less the same as British citizens when it comes to certain matters like this?

I hoped this would allow me to avoid the six month waiting period and apply for the same-day premium service.

Am I right in my assumption that Irish people are considered to be settled here and can choose an EEA-application route (for instance, to apply for FLR (M) and not EEA2 form?

[Obie]

You are unable to switch, unless there are exceptional circumstance. You need to have a leave to remain in order to be able to do so. An EEA family permit holder does not have such leave. I dont believe you will need to wait for months,as the turnaround time is 3-4 months for EEA application. In any event,you do not qualify for premium service