Legal

President Michael D Higgins refers controversial judicial appointments bill to Supreme Court

The referral came after President Higgins met with the Council of State on Wednesday to consider the matter

The specific sections that President Higgins has asked the Supreme Court to look at include membership of the commission and functions of the commission. Picture: Fergal Phillips

President Michael D Higgins has decided to refer a controversial new bill to reform the system for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court to determine whether it is constitutional.

The President, who convened a Council of State meeting earlier this week on whether to ask the Supreme Court to consider the constitutionality of the bill, issued the decision today under Article 26 of the Constitution.

A statement from his office said the referral ...