Ireland
In Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas, the procedure for divisions is specified by standing orders 68–75. The Ceann Comhairle (chair) puts the question and TDs (deputies) present say the Irish word Tá (yes) or Níl (no) respectively if they agree or disagree. The Ceann Comhairle then gives an opinion on the voice vote; a TD may demand a division by calling Vótáil (vote). If fewer than ten TDs call for a division, the Ceann Comhairle asks them to rise in their places; their names are recorded in the journal but the original decision stands. Otherwise the Ceann Comhairle calls Vótáil, which starts the voting process. The division bell sounds around Leinster House and the adjoining Oireachtas buildings, calling TDs to the chamber to vote. The bells ring for six minutes and the doors to the chamber are locked after a further four minutes.
The Ceann Comhairle then appoints two tellers for each side and deputies present are given one minute to vote. Voting is usually electronic, with deputies pressing either the Tá or Níl button on their desks. After the voting time has concluded a Division Paper recording the result and each TD's vote is signed by the four tellers and given to the Ceann Comhairle, who declares the result. Electronic voting was introduced in 2002. The traditional practice of voting by physically entering division lobbies is retained for some symbolically important votes: motion of no confidence, election of the Ceann Comhairle, and nomination of Taoiseach and cabinet ministers. A group of at least 20 TDs may demand a non-electronic repeat of an electronic vote, a tactic which Opposition parties sometimes use to increase media coverage of major votes.
Notably, in 1969, when Jack Lynch sought the nomination of the Dáil to be appointed Taoiseach by the President, after the division had been called and the doors locked, the bells continued to ring and several Fianna Fáil deputies subsequently entered the chamber through an unlocked door. After other deputies objected, The Ceann Comhairle called the division again. Lynch won the nomination 74 votes to 66.
In Seanad Éireann, the upper house, a similar procedure is laid out by standing orders 56–63. The relayed sound of the bell for Seanad divisions differs from that of the Dáil bell.
Read more about this topic: Division Of The Assembly
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