McAleese to decide on Housing Bill

President Mary McAleese will decide today whether to refer the controversial Housing Bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.

A last-minute addition to the Bill, aimed at curbing Traveller encampments on public land, would make trespass a criminal offence and introduce a €3,000 fine and prison sentence for anyone who does not vacate land within 24 hours of being ordered to do so.

Traveller representatives said this section of the Bill is specifically aimed at Travellers and is therefore racist and discriminatory.

The President convened a meeting of her Council of State earlier this week to discuss the legislation and today, she will either sign it into law or refer it to the Supreme Court.