Irish officials were worried European leaders would refuse to attend meetings in hotels 

The Department of Foreign Affairs warned it could cost £2 million to hire private facilities for meetings during Ireland’s EC presidency.

Five men appear in court charged with conspiring to murder Hutch family member

Each of the accused men are charged with taking various roles with the intention of helping with the murder of Patrick ‘Patsy’ Hutch.

After calling in help, President Higgins has signed 'rushed' new asylum laws

The Arás confirmed his decision in a brief statement today.

There were some familiar faces at this morning's Council of State meeting

President Higgins called the meeting to discuss asylum laws that were ‘rushed’ through the Dáil.

Michael D calls in Council of State over law that was rushed through the Dáil

Michael D Higgins could now refer the International Protection Bill to the Supreme Court.

Explainer: Why Michael D Higgins signed water charges into law

The president’s hands were essentially tied by the Constitution.

'I don't think the Government knows how serious this is'

Sinn Féin has hit out at Government for allowing the Water Services Bill to be signed into law.

President Michael D Higgins has signed the Water Services Bill

Water charges are now the law of the land.

'A denial of people's rights': Sinn Féin wants a new junior minister for the diaspora

Gerry Adams has called for a raft of changes to how Irish abroad are treated here.

Some welcome President passing abortion bill, others not so much

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore described it as a “key milestone”, while the Pro Life Campaign said it was a “very sad day”.

President signs Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill into law

The move came after the President convened a meeting of the Council of State to discuss the bill yesterday.

In pics: President Michael D Higgins concludes meeting with the Council of State

The President has not yet made an announcement on whether he’ll sign the the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill into law or refer it to the Supreme Court.

Tánaiste will swear oath ‘in the presence of Almighty God’ despite being agnostic

Eamon Gilmore will take the oath required of all members of the Council of State today despite being agnostic and lobbying from Atheist Ireland.

So what happened when the Council of State was convened in the past?

Today will be the 27th time the Council of State has been convened to discuss legislation – but it’s not the first time abortion laws have been discussed.

Explainer: What is the Council of State and why is it discussing the abortion bill?

The Council of State is a little-used and largely unknown body but it takes centre stage as it discusses the abortion bill next week. TheJournal.ie explains what it’s all about…

President Higgins to convene Council of State over abortion bill

Áras an Uachtaráin has said that a meeting will be held next Monday where members of the Council and the President will consider the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.

Hogan appoints five-member panel to oversee Seanad referendum

The Referendum Commission will be chaired by Justice Elizabeth Dunne, whenever the Oireachtas passes the referendum bill.

Explainer: What else will change if we scrap the Seanad?

The formal legislation to change the Constitution and delete the Seanad is out today. So what’s in it?

Fantasy films/programmes: Why so serious?

Sssshhh don’t tell them it’s not real…

The Daily Fix: Friday

In tonight’s fix: Some parents to lose child benefit; continued rows over pensions debacle; Ray Grehan bankrupt – in England – and all the other bits you may have missed.

President Higgins announces his Council of State

Seven new advisors have been appointed to the Council.

In pictures: What are Bertie and Brian doing in the Áras?

The boys/former taoisigh are back in town for a ‘thank you’ reception by President McAleese for her Council of State.

Davis promises to appoint intellectually disabled person to Council of State

Mary Davis tells an Inclusion Ireland debate that she would appoint a person with intellectual disabilities to the Council of State.

Special Olympics chief Mary Davis announces presidential bid

The managing director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia says she will seek the nomination of four councils to run in October.

President approves banking reform bill after Council of State meeting

President McAleese signs the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill into law after convening the Council of State to discuss its constitutionality.

President summons Council of State to discuss banking Bill

The President may refer the new Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill to the Supreme Court if she thinks it constitutional.

Civil Partnership Bill signed into Law

Civil Partnership protest underway outside Áras

McAleese may convene Council of State over Civil Partnerships

Rumours abound of a potential Supreme Court referral over a co-habitation clause.