President set to decide whether to refer ayslum legislation to Supreme Court
James Cox
President Catherine Connolly is set to make a decision on referring controversial new asylum legislation to the Supreme Court, or signing it into law.
President Connolly has until tonight to decide on the laws, which would bring Ireland in line with the incoming EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
It includes restrictions around processing, screening and appeals for those looking for international protection in the State.
The legislation has been criticised by opposition TDs.
Connolly convened a meeting of her Council of State on Monday to discuss the legislation.
A statement from her office on Monday said the President "will now consider the members' views before making a decision as to whether to sign the bill or to refer it 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".
The 23 members of the Council of State include former presidents and taoisigh. Former presidents Mary Robinson, Michael D Higgins and Mary McAleese, and former taoisigh Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar, were in attendance.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris are also members of the Council of State.
The Council of State is an advistory body and the decision ultimately lies with the President. The meeting on Monday was described as "intense".
