Decision to adopt Optional Protocol a major relief for people with disabilities – Casserly

The Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will strengthen Ireland’s commitment to making our country a more equal place, a Fine Gael councillor has said.

Councillor Vicki Casserly, who represents the Lucan local electoral area, said that this will be a welcome move for disability campaigners across the country.

“I’m delighted to see Government has decided to accede to the optional protocol. This is a major step in supporting people with disabilities across Ireland.

“We need to be always striving to make the lives of people with a disability fairer and more inclusive and acceding the protocol is a huge step towards this.

“It ensures individuals can bring their complaints to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under this convention if they feel their rights have been violated.

“This really embeds the rights of a person with a disability in Ireland and also the state’s commitment to a person with disability to live in an equal, inclusive country.

“As someone who has long been campaigning for this, it comes as a welcome relief that the government’s commitment to implement this has been fulfilled.

“I know people with disabilities and advocates across Ireland who have worked so hard to see this protocol adapted will welcome this decision.

“This protocol will further enhance life for persons and families with disabilities in our communities and I look forward to seeing this implemented”, concluded Councillor Casserly.