Go raibh maith agat, a Theachta Ó Snodaigh. That concludes the contributions from 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, I ask all Members to retake their seats and we will direct them, row by row, to the division lobby.

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 Head Usher and deputy head usher to confirm the ballot boxes, to my left and right in the voting lobby are empty. The Head Usher and deputy head usher have confirmed the ballot boxes are empty and both boxes are locked. 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. To reach the voting lobby, Members should use the central staircase immediately in front of me. For health and safety reasons, I 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.

The ballot will remain open for 60 minutes or until all Members intending to vote have cast their votes, whichever is the earlier. Once the ballot is closed, the House will stand suspended until 4 p.m. The ushers will now direct Members row by row to the voting lobby. I ask Members to please wait until called forward by the ushers. When you have finished casting your vote, please come back to the floor of the House via the side stairs and exit the Chamber by way of the doors behind me.

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