Michael D Higgins returns home to Áras an Uachtaráin after hospital discharge

President Michael D. Higgins has returned home to Áras an Uachtaráin following his discharge from St James’s Hospital this Thursday afternoon.

In a statement, the President thanked all of the staff of St James’s Hospital for the care which he received following his admission last week.

"Ireland is lucky to have such wonderful, dedicated and caring medical staff," the statement read.

"The president is looking forward to his pre-scheduled meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Áras an Uachtaráin tomorrow afternoon," it continued.

President Higgins was admitted to hospital "after experiencing a mild transient weakness" last Thursday, February 29.

Tests conducted following his admission have indicated no serious or long-term concerns for the President’s health and his medical team expect him to make a full recovery.

He has been advised to cut back on the extent of his public engagements for the next coming weeks in order to facilitate a recommended short period of recuperation.

According to Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins continued to carry out his constitutional duties while in hospital and this week considered and signed two pieces of legislation - the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 and the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023.

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.