![\"Council](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/002425fc-614.jpg\"\/)
\n\u00c1ras an Uachtar\u00e1in confirmed the appointment of seven Council of State members by President Connolly last month<\/p>\n
President Catherine Connolly has convened a meeting of the Council of State under Article 26 of the Constitution to discuss the constitutionality of the International Protection Bill 2026.<\/p>\n
The bill passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas last night and was accepted by 86 votes to 62.<\/p>\n
A meeting will take place on Monday afternoon, where the council will consider whether the International Protection Bill 2026 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”.<\/p>\n
Described by Minister Jim O’Callaghan as the most significant reform of Irish asylum laws in the history of the State, the bill is tied to the EU Migration & Asylum Pact which will come into force across the EU in June.<\/p>\n
The bill requires the signature of the President in order to become law.<\/p>\n
The Irish Refugee Council has welcomed the decision to refer the bill to the Council of State.<\/p>\n
Next week’s meeting will be the first meeting of President Connolly’s Council of State.<\/p>\n
The Council of State is an advisory body to the President which includes all current and former taoisigh, t\u00e1naist\u00ed and chief justices.<\/p>\n
Other members include the President of the Court of Appeal, President of the High Court, Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and the Attorney General.<\/p>\n
In addition, each President can nominate seven of their own members.<\/p>\n
\n\u00c1ras an Uachtar\u00e1in confirmed the appointment of seven Council of State members by President Connolly last month<\/p>\n