Government attitude towards disabled criticised by Robinson

THE UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, has criticised the Irish Government for fighting attempts to provide rights for disabled people as it prepares to host the Special Olympics.

Ireland's former president said she understood Government officials in the UN were resisting a global plan which would strengthen rights of disabled people and minorities. "Ireland prides itself for its record on this level, but doesn't want this rights-based approach. I'm very sorry to hear that we have the special Olympics coming and it's a moment for the Government to act," she said.

The global plan being talked about at Government level is a bid to strengthen a UN covenant which Ireland has already signed up, aimed at ending discrimination against all citizens.