The Council of State is meeting at Áras an Úachtaráin this afternoon to discuss the proposed abortion laws.
The 24-member group has been summoned to advise the President on whether the Protection of Life During Life Bill is in keeping with the Constitution.
President Michael D Higgins has until Wednesday to decide whether he's signing the bill into law, or whether he wants to refer it to the Supreme Court.
The President is not obliged to follow the council's advice.
If the Bill is referred, the court will have 60 days to appoint counsel for either side, hold hearings, and rule on whether the bill is constitutional.
The council is made up of the current Taoiseach and Tánaiste, the Chief Justice and President of the High Court, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáíl and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and the attorney general.
It also includes any living former Presidents, Taoisigh and Chief Justices, and seven 'citizen' members nominated by the President himself.
21 of the 24 eligible members are attending today's meeting; former president Mary Robinson and former taoisigh Albert Reynolds and John Bruton sent their apologies to the Áras.
