A meeting of the Council of State at Áras an Uachtaráin is under way to discuss the constitutionality of proposed new asylum laws.
Among the 23 members are former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins, as well as former taoisigh Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar.
Also attending the meeting are the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris.
The meeting, convened by President Connolly, began at 3pm and is expected to last a number of hours.
The International Protection Bill, 2026, passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas last week, but, at the behest of President Connolly, the Council of State will now consider its constitutionality.
Following the meeting, the President will decide whether to refer the bill to the Supreme Court for its consideration, or to sign it into law.
It is understood that President Connolly has up until Wednesday night to make that decision.
Former president Michael D Higgins arrives at Áras an Uachtaráin for the meeting
Described by the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan as the most significant reform of Irish asylum laws in the history of the State, it is tied to the EU Migration & Asylum Pact which will come into force across the EU in June.
It is made up of regulations around screening, tracking and reception conditions. It’s also said to standardise asylum decisions and time limits in which they’re made.
The decision to convene the Council was welcomed by the Irish Refugee Council, with Sinn Féin saying it was not a surprise saying it was rushed through the Houses of the Oireachtas in a ‘reckless manner.’
The Council of State is made up current and former Presidents, taoisigh, tánaistí and chief justices, as well as other ex officio members and the President’s seven appointees.