President Michael D Higgins discharged from hospital

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

President Michael D Higgins has been advised to cut back on public engagements after being discharged from hospital.

Mr Higgins, 82, was admitted to St James’ Hospital in Dublin last Thursday evening after experiencing a “mild transient weakness”.

After a seven-night stay, he returned to his official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin, on Thursday.

A spokesman said the president thanked all of the staff at the hospital for the care which he received following his admission.

A statement from the Aras said: “Ireland is lucky to have such wonderful, dedicated and caring medical staff.”

Mr Higgins has a pre-scheduled meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Friday afternoon.

His medical team advised the president to consider cutting back on public engagements for the coming weeks in order to facilitate a short period of recuperation.

A spokesman for Mr Higgins has said he continued to carry out his constitutional duties while in hospital and this week considered and signed two pieces of legislation.

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