Michael D Higgins to stay in hospital until Thursday after experiencing 'mild transient weakness'

The President is expected to make a full recovery and is to return to Áras an Uachtaráín on Thursday

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins

President Michael D Higgins is to remain in hospital after tests found that he has experienced a '"mild transient weakness".

The President is expected to make a full recovery and is to return to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday.

He had been admitted to hospital after feeling ill last Thursday evening.

A statement from the Áras said that all test results had been positive with "no serious or long-term concerns for the President's health".

It said: "Following consultation with his medical team, President Higgins has agreed with their recommendation that he remain in hospital for an extra few days in order that they can monitor his blood pressure. He will return to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday."

The statement said the President remains in "excellent spirits and is continuing to carry out his constitutional duties".

It is believed he will proceed with a scheduled meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Friday.

The statement did note that the President’s medical team have further advised "he put a limit on the extent of the public engagements which he undertakes over the coming weeks in order to facilitate the short period of recuperation that they have recommended”.