Politics

Higgins to decide on whether to refer asylum Bill within 24 hours

Council of State met for a number of hours on Tuesday to provide advice to President

President Michael D Higgins, with members of the Council of State, front from left; Sen Patrick Burke, Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett,TD; Tanaiste Joan Burton; Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President Higgins; The Hon Mrs Justice, Susan Denham; The Hon Mr Justice, Peter Kelly; Attorney General Maire Whelan and Prof. McAlleese. (Back row from left) former taoisigh John Bruton, presidential appointees Sally Mulready and Michael Farrell; The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness; The Hon Justice Ronan Keane; The Hon Justice John Murray; presidential appointee Prof Deirdre Heenan, former taoisigh Bertie Ahern, presidential appointees Ruairi McKiernan and Prof Gerard Quinn and former taoisigh Brian Cowen, ahead of their meeting to consider legislation reforming the asylum application system, at Aras an Uachtarain. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish TimesPhotograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times
President Michael D Higgins, with members of the Council of State, front from left; Sen Patrick Burke, Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett,TD; Tanaiste Joan Burton; Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President Higgins; The Hon Mrs Justice, Susan Denham; The Hon Mr Justice, Peter Kelly; Attorney General Maire Whelan and Prof. McAlleese. (Back row from left) former taoisigh John Bruton, presidential appointees Sally Mulready and Michael Farrell; The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness; The Hon Justice Ronan Keane; The Hon Justice John Murray; presidential appointee Prof Deirdre Heenan, former taoisigh Bertie Ahern, presidential appointees Ruairi McKiernan and Prof Gerard Quinn and former taoisigh Brian Cowen, ahead of their meeting to consider legislation reforming the asylum application system, at Aras an Uachtarain. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish TimesPhotograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times
Fiach Kelly
Tue Dec 29 2015 - 22:14

President Michael D Higgins will make a decision on whether to refer proposed law governing the Irish asylum process to the Supreme Court within 24 hours.

The president was speaking at the conclusion of a meeting of the Council of State which considered the legislation on Tuesday.

The legislation aims to streamline the application process for asylum seekers.

A statement released by Áras an Uachtaráin on Tuesday said: “President Michael D. Higgins has concluded a meeting of the Council of State in relation to the International Protection Bill 2015.

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“The President has thanked the members of the Council of State and will take the decision on whether the Bill should be referred to the Supreme Court in the next 24 hours.”