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President Higgins returns to Áras an Uachtaráin after week in hospital

President Higgins felt unwell last week and was taken to hospital as a precaution
President Higgins felt unwell last week and was taken to hospital as a precaution

President Michael D Higgins has been discharged from Saint James's Hospital in Dublin and returned to Áras an Uachtaráin.

Mr Higgins, 82, felt unwell last Thursday afternoon, and was taken to hospital for precautionary tests.

On Monday, a statement from the Áras said that the results "indicated no serious or long-term concerns for the President's health" but that he would remain in hospital so that his blood pressure could be monitored.

In a post on social media, President Higgins thanked staff at Saint James's Hospital for the care he received following his admission.

"Ireland is lucky to have such wonderful, dedicated and caring medical staff," he added.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he plans to meet President Higgins at the Áras tomorrow for their regular meeting to discuss affairs of state.

Mr Varadkar said that he had spoken by phone to Mr Higgins since he was hospitalised last week.

He added that President Higgins "had been fulfilling his constitutional duties" even though he had been unwell.

The president has been advised to limit the extent of his public engagements over the coming weeks after recommending a "short period of recuperation".

On Wednesday 28 February, President Higgins presented the 2024 Volta award to British film director Steve McQueen, at the Dublin International Film Festival.

Earlier that day, he received a courtesy call from Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son.

He also met Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, and a parliamentary delegation at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Additional reporting Liam Nolan