The former Taoiseach, Mr Charles J. Haughey, was admitted at 1 a.m. this morning to Beaumont Hospital following a collapse at his home.
He was brought to the accident and emergency department by ambulance and was admitted to the intensive care unit.
He has a serious, life-threatening cardiac condition and is sedated to allow ventilation. He is stable and the plan is to assess his cardiac function throughout the day and administer appropriate treatment.
He is critical but stable.
Mr Haughey is under the care of Professor Eoin O'Brien and anaesthetist Dr Brian Lamont.
It is planned to issue a further statement giving an update on Mr Haughey's condition at 8 p.m. this evening following consultation with his family.
In a later statement the hospital confirmed that Mr Haughey had been taken off a ventilator.