President calls Council of State meeting on asylum legislation

The President has called a meeting of the Council of State to discuss asylum legislation over fears it was rushed through the Oireachtas.

The Irish Times says Michael D Higgins is extremely concerned over the use of the guillotine on the legislation in the Dáil, meaning there was a limited debate.

He wants the Council to meet on December 29 to discuss whether three sections of the International Protection Bill are repugnant to the Constitution.

It is understood the one of most concern to him surrounds the definition of the family.

It is the second time President Higgins has asked the Council to meet - the first concerned the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.