I'm not aware of any "new" disposal about EASA, but as far as I know a ME-IR is a requirement for a TR.
The only thing that your CAA could accept is an expired rating, (I know coz it was my case), but it varies from authority to authority.
For instance, I completed a TR with the ME-IR but an expired MEP (in UK).
In Italy they would haven't accepted.
Furthermore I've been called for a lot of interviews without caring about it.
So, unless you really want to fly twin MEP, it's a waste of money to renew this rating.