There seems to be lots of experts around ,but sadly not on JAR!
Gazelle507 is very wrong on the issue of what value there is attached to the IMC rating.Quite correct that the rating is not recognised by the JAA ,it is a CAA rating.However I can shed light on this.On studying the relavant JAR documentation and in consultation with the CAA SRG FCL policy unit and the relevant JAR FCL experts at SRG you will find that an IMC rating WITH a valid CofT will give you a reduction of 12hours.
Now comes the difficult bit for most "EXPERTS".Once you have gained the Multi IR(A)you have it endorsed onto your PPL.When you have completed the CPL module and send off for your licence the IR is converted to your frozen ATPL.
This is from the horses mouth,so let there be no doubt,ie the JAA itself and CAA SRG JAR FCL.
Cheers
AUTOTHROTTLE