The regulation you're looking for is in FCL.720.A ; (b) Applicants for the issue of the first type rating for a multi-pilot aeroplane shall be student pilots currently undergoing training on an MPL training course or shall, before starting the type rating training course, comply with the following requirements:
(1) have at least 70 hours of flight experience as PIC in aeroplanes;
(2) hold or have held a multi-engine IR(A);
(3) have passed the ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge examinations in accordance with this Annex (Part-FCL);
Whether or not you can apply will depend on the requirements of each specific job. Companies may still want you to have a valid IR to apply regardless of the regs.