Ireland opts in to UN protocol on the rights of people with disabilities

'Systemwide change' anticipated as Ireland signs up to optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in March 2018 — but the ratification of the optional protocol has long been demanded by disability advocates. Picture: iStock 

Ireland has agreed to opt in to a protocol that will see “systemwide change” in the treatment of those with disabilities.

The Government announced yesterday that it will accede to the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.