Advice for non-EU spouse (Dublin)

We're moving to Ireland in early Protected content I'm wondering if any of you have had this situation: I'm an EU passport-holder and my husband is on a South African passport. He's been offered a job there and will initially be the breadwinner as I tie things up here and follow about three months later with the children. I have the impression from what I've found online, that I might need to arrive with him, but it's not explicitly stated. Is this the case or can he come through before me and set up house? Also, when he arrives, he'll be on a tourist visa, how does he go about getting Stamp 3 in his passport and can it be done with just copies of my documents?
Thanks muchly!