You are right FD.
But the exact wording "applying for an IR(A) you must produce evidence of having met the following flying 55..." does not tell if it is applying for the course or for the exam.
Now that I read it again, I have the impression that it's "applying for the exam" - which would mean that you can collect your 50 hours of PIC during your instruction. And that's exactly where I'd like confirmation.
And thank you for the link - very useful.