Whilst I don't question the red tape quoted above it's simply not reflected in reality; at least not with any consistency. In the old days medicals were stamped "Day/VFR Only" if you had a colour deficiency. The VFR restriction then disappeared.
I'm well aware that the CAA can give a different answer depending on which way the wind is blowing, but the simple fact is that it can (or at least could, until very recently) be done. I got all the qualifications before I got the restriction removed from my medical and had multiple dialogues with the CAA head of medical over it. Once you've got the NQ the rest is history. The fact that you can't exercise it is irrelevant in the context of getting your licensed endorsed with an IR.