Amnesty International has called on the Irish Government to set a timetable to ratify a new international treaty that comes into force today.

The treaty will give protection to human rights that are under threat from austerity policies - such as healthcare, education and housing.

The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic Social & Cultural Rights comes into effect today.

The Government signed the treaty last year, but has not ratified it, so it cannot be used yet by people living in Ireland.