Michael D Higgins thanks St James’s Hospital staff as he returns home to Áras an Uachtaráin

President Michael D Higgins has returned home to Áras an Uachtaráin after a weeklong spell in hospital.

Mr Higgins (82) thanked the staff of St James’s Hospital for the care which he received during his admission.

“Ireland is lucky to have such wonderful, dedicated and caring medical staff,” he said.

Mr Higgins continued to carry out his constitutional duties while in hospital and this week considered and signed two pieces of legislation into law – the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 and the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023.

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He is currently considering a further two pieces of legislation – the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023 and the European Arrest Warrant (Amendment) Bill 2022.

A pre-scheduled meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Áras an Uachtaráin will take place on Friday afternoon.

Mr Higgins was taken to hospital on February 29th after complaining of feeling unwell. An ambulance was sent to Áras an Uachtaráin, and he was assessed by paramedics.

He was taken to hospital as a precaution on foot of medical advice and remained there for an extra few days this week in order to monitor his blood pressure.

The President remained under observation and underwent tests following a “mild transient weakness”.

He has now been discharged but has been advised to consider cutting back on the extent of his public engagements in coming weeks in order to facilitate the short period of recuperation that doctors have recommended.

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