At the moment you only need a valid IR for an initial type rating. As you have held a type rating in the past it is not a requirement however some companies may require it, but I think this is more for junior pilots joining who have never held a type rating. Best to ask the policy from whichever company you plan to apply to.
Renewing a MEP IR is not hard for an experienced pilot, an assessment by an ATO, train as required then test. If you want you can renew the IR without the MEP portion.