McAleese to decide on nursing home charge bill

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese will decide today whether or not to refer the Government’s controversial bill on long-term care charges to the Supreme Court.

Following an hour-long meeting with her Council of State yesterday, Ms McAleese decided to consider the issue overnight before reaching a decision today.

The Council of State, which includes numerous current and former holders of high office as well as presidential nominees, can be convened should the President be concerned that a bill passed by the Oireachtas may be unconstitutional.