Meeting of Council of State

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, has convened a meeting of the Council of State, to be held at Áras an Uachtaráin on Monday 15 July 2024 at 2.30pm, for the purpose of his hearing from the Council regarding the constitutionality of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024.
Article 26.1.1 of the Constitution states:
‘The President may, after consultation with the Council of State, refer any Bill to which this Article applies to the Supreme Court for a decision on the question as to whether such Bill or any specified provision or provisions of such Bill is or are repugnant to this Constitution or to any provision thereof.’
The question the President will ask the Council of State to consider is:
Whether the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 should be referred by the President to the Supreme Court for a decision on the question as to whether the Bill or any specified provision or provisions thereof are repugnant to the Constitution or to any provision thereof.