What the Ceann Comhairle does
During a busy debate, the chair decides who speaks, applies the House’s rules and puts the question when it is time to vote.
Common assumption: The Ceann Comhairle is the Taoiseach's deputy.
In fact: The Tánaiste deputises for the Taoiseach. The Ceann Comhairle chairs Dáil proceedings.
Common assumption: The Ceann Comhairle votes like any other TD.
In fact: The chair does not ordinarily vote, but has a casting vote if a division is tied.
Common assumption: A speaker's ruling is a new law.
In fact: The chair applies the Dáil's Standing Orders and maintains order; legislation still follows the law-making process.
- Chairs Dáil sittings and decides which TD may speak.
- Keeps order and can order a TD who breaks the rules to leave the chamber.
- Rules whether parliamentary questions and Bills are in order under the Dáil’s Standing Orders.
- Puts the question at a vote and announces the result.
- Has a casting vote if the result of a vote is tied.
- Represents the Dáil in dealings with the President, the Seanad and other parliaments.
The Ceann Comhairle is not a member of the Government and does not take part in party debate. In return, the office is safe from challenge at a general election: the sitting Ceann Comhairle is returned automatically without a contest.How a general election works.
How the Ceann Comhairle is chosen
At the first sitting of a new Dáil, TDs vote by secret ballot. Any TD can be nominated. The winner is often from a governing party or an independent group and is expected to act impartially once elected.
A Leas-Cheann Comhairle (deputy chair) chairs when the Ceann Comhairle is absent. The Ceann Comhairle can be removed by a vote of the Dáil.What is the Dáil?.
| Country | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Ceann Comhairle | Elected by TDs, returned automatically at elections |
| United Kingdom | Speaker of the House of Commons | Elected by MPs, stands as “Speaker seeking re-election” |
| United States | Speaker of the House | Usually the leader of the majority party |
You will see the title in Dáil debates
The Ceann Comhairle’s rulings and calls appear in every Dáil transcript. If you are reading a debate, terms like “the Ceann Comhairle has ruled” are worth knowing.Dáil debate jargon.
What you will hear the Ceann Comhairle do
Watch any Dáil sitting and the Ceann Comhairle is constantly managing time and order. These are the phrases and procedures that come up most.
- Leas-Cheann Comhairlesay “lass-kyown KOHR-luh”
- The deputy chair, who presides when the Ceann Comhairle is away.
- Leaders’ Questions
- A weekly session where opposition leaders question the Taoiseach or Tánaiste, strictly timed by the chair.
- Division
- A recorded vote. The chair puts the question and TDs vote Tá, Níl or Staon.
- Standing Orders
- The Dáil’s rulebook. The Ceann Comhairle interprets it and rules on points of order.
- Casting vote
- The chair votes only to break a tie, and by convention votes to keep things as they are.
Common assumptions about the chair
Common assumption: The Ceann Comhairle votes like any other TD.
In fact: The Ceann Comhairle votes only when there is a tie, and then by convention to maintain the status quo.
Common assumption: The chair always comes from the Government side.
In fact: The Ceann Comhairle is elected by all TDs in a secret ballot and can come from any group, including independents.
Common assumption: The Ceann Comhairle has to fight an election like other TDs.
In fact: The outgoing Ceann Comhairle is returned automatically at the next general election, so their constituency elects one fewer TD.