For your first Multi Crew type rating you will need to have a current SPA ME/IR ( I am assuming this is your first rating and that it is a multi crew rating you are undertaking).
When you complete your type rating you will be issued a Multi Crew IR, the multi crew IR will not count for renewing or revalidating your SPA ME/IR.
If this is your first IR revalidation then you can revalidate the ME/IR in an appoved FMPT2 Sim (the next renewal will need to be in the aircraft), this will give you a current ME/IR but will not revalidate your MEP. However for the type rating you only need the ME/IR to be current, the MEP isn't required.