President Michael D Higgins has announced that he will convene the Council of State to discuss the Government's abortion legislation.
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 was sent to the President to be signed into law yesterday after it was passed by the Seanad by 39 votes to 14.
However, in a statement this evening, it was announced that President Higgins will meet his Council of State at Áras an Uachtaráin next Monday to discuss the Bill's legality.
Following that meeting, the President and the Council can decide to refer the legislation to the Supreme Court for a final decision on whether the Bill, or any particular provision within it, is incompatible with the Constitution.
