Council of State to examine laws around members of the Defence Forces speaking publicly

Will decide if President Michael D Higgins should refer bill to the Supreme Court

The purpose of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 is to establish a statutory external oversight body for the Defence Forces.

The Council of State is to meet on Monday to examine whether laws prohibiting members of the Defence Forces from speaking publicly about political matters without authorisation is constitutional.

The council will consider if President Michael D Higgins should refer it to the Supreme Court for a final decision.