Cléireach na Dála:

Go raibh maith agat, a Theachta Ó Snodaigh. That concludes the contributions from the candidates. We will now ring the bells for six minutes, and when they stop we will proceed to the secret ballot. When the bells have stopped, all of the doors into the Chamber, except for the two on either side of the Ceann Comhairle's chair, will be locked. I would ask all Members to retake their seats when the bells have stopped.

I now ask the ushers to lock the doors, except for the two on either side of the Ceann Comhairle’s chair, which will remain open. The ushers will shortly direct Members to proceed to the voting lobby at the back of the Chamber to cast their ballots. I ask that Members remain in their seats until directed by the ushers. Before the voting begins, I call on the Captain of the Guard and Head Usher to confirm that the ballot boxes, which are to my left and right in the voting lobby, are empty.

The ballot boxes are empty. We are now ready to start the ballot. Voting will proceed, row by row, starting with the first row to my left, and moving to the right, as directed by the ushers. In order to reach the voting lobby, Members should use the central staircase immediately in front of me. For health and safety reasons, I must ask Members not to queue on the staircase, as the stairs are very steep. The ushers will direct you to ascend when the staircase is clear. When directed to do so, please proceed by the central staircase to be issued with your ballot paper. Officials in the voting lobby will ask you to confirm your name. They will cross your name off the register and issue you with a stamped and embossed ballot paper. There are eight voting booths in total; four each on the left and right at the top of the stairs. Members with surnames beginning A to H should go to the left at the top of the stairs and members with surnames beginning I to Z should go to the right. The ballot will be counted under the proportional representation single transferable vote, PRSTV, system. Accordingly, you may number the candidates in the order of your choice.

If you inadvertently spoil your ballot paper, you should present it to me. I will inspect the ballot paper and may decide to allow a replacement paper to be issued. In such cases, I will retain the original ballot paper and issue a certificate in order that another ballot paper can be issued from the officials in the division lobby.

When you have finished casting your vote, please come back to the floor of the House via the side stairs to my right and left. You may either resume your seats or leave by way of the doors behind me.

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