Ireland was among the first Council of Europe member states to sign and ratify the European Social Charter, which was opened for signature by the Council of Europe in 1961. A revised European Social Charter was adopted to adapt the charter to developments in the field of social rights since 1961 and was opened for signature at Strasbourg on 3 May 1996. The revised charter came into force on 1 July 1999.
The main innovations in the revised charter include: strengthening equality between men and women; the right of disabled persons to individual social integration, personal independence and participation in the life of the community; strengthening the right of children and young persons to social, legal and economic protection; the right to protection in cases of dismissal; the right to dignity at work; the right of workers with family responsibilities to equal opportunities and equal treatment; the right to protection against poverty and social exclusion; the right to adequate housing and a widening of the ban on discrimination. These rights can be accepted selectively subject to a minimum number of acceptances.