Council of State to review Criminal Justice Bill

The President Mary McAleese is calling for a meeting of the Council of State to review the Criminal Justice Bill.

She has convened the meeting for Wednesday, in accordance with her powers under Article 26 of the Constitution.

It provides that, following consultation with the Council of State, the President may refer any Bill to the Supreme Court for a review of its constitutionality.

The Criminal Justice Bill was passed by the Oireachtas late last month, despite protests from civil liberties groups and some members of the opposition.