President Catherine Connolly, having given careful consideration to all constitutional and other aspects of the International Protection Bill 2026 has today signed the Bill.
Following the passage of the Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas (and a subsequent statement issued by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission mentioning significant human rights concerns, ndr) the President has called a Council of State meeting on Monday 20 April, regarding the constitutionality of the Bill, and in relation to specific sections.
After the consultation with the members, the concerns that led to the President calling a meeting of the Council of State remain, however it was decided to not to refer the Bill to the Constitutional court.
The President’s decision to sign this legislation thus does not close off any actions sought by any person to challenge the provisions of the Bill in the future.
- Government of Ireland (22 April, 2026), [President Connolly signs the International Protection Bill 2026],