PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS’ meeting with the Council of State has concluded this evening.

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.

He has until Wednesday of this week to make his decision.

Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds, former president Mary Robinson and former taoiseach John Bruton did not attend today’s meeting, which began at 2.30pm at Áras An Uachtaráin. All others who were scheduled to attend were present.

A statement from Áras An Uachtaráin this evening read:

The President has today convened a meeting of the Council of State in relation to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013. The Meeting concluded at 6.45pm.

Here is a look at today’s meeting in pictures:

