President Michael D Higgins taken to hospital after feeling unwell at Áras an Uachtaráin

An ambulance was sent to Áras an Uachtaráin where Mr Higgins (82) was assessed by paramedics and brought to hospital for precautionary tests.

A statement from Áras an Uachtaráin said: “The President was initially assessed at Áras an Uachtaráin where no immediate concerns were identified but a decision was made to proceed to hospital in order to undergo tests, the initial results of which have been positive.

“The President, who will remain in hospital overnight, is in excellent spirits and has thanked the medical staff for the care he has received.”

A source confirmed he was taken to a hospital in Dublin but stressed his hospitalisation was only as as a precaution on foot of advice from the medical team who attended his official residence in the Phoenix Park.

Mr Higgins has had a busy week including a number of meetings with foreign diplomats in Áras an Uachtaráin. On Tuesday night he attended the annual RTÉ Folk Awards in Vicar Street, Dublin. Last night he presented the 2024 Volta Lifetime Achievement Award to film director Steve McQueen at the Dublin International Film Festival.

He is scheduled to hold a garden party on Friday for groups from across Ireland. His diary also shows plan to attend the FAI Women's President's Cup in Athlone on Saturday.

Last July Mr Higgins underwent surgery to relieve back pain, an operation which had been planned for some time.

Following the elective medical procedure, the president took time to complete a short rehabilitation programme and carried out a reduced number of public engagements in the weeks after the surgery.

The surgery was planned ahead of Mr Higgins’ busy autumn schedule, which involved a number of overseas engagements.

More to follow...