Council of State meets to discuss constitutionality of Defence Bill

The advisory body of President Michael D Higgins has met to discuss the constitutionality of legislation contained in the Government’s Defence Bill.

The meeting of the Council of State took place in Áras an Uachtaráin to examine legislation to regulate Defence Forces’ representative associations.

The Council discussed whether the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 should be referred by the President to the Supreme Court, on whether specific provisions are “repugnant to the constitution”.

Mr Higgins will consider the issues put forward by the Council and will make the final decision on whether the sections should be referred to the Supreme Court.

He is expected to make the decision by Wednesday.

President Higgins has convened a meeting of the Council of State, to be held 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. https://t.co/ruPZIzYJet
— President of Ireland…