ieExplains: What is the Ceann Comhairle and what do they do?
Verona Murphy is the current Ceann Comhairle. Picture: Flickr/Houses of Oireachtas
When a new Dáil is created, the first order of business is to elect the Ceann Comhairle. Ceann Comhairle, meaning Head of Council, acts as speaker or presiding officer for the Dáil.
The Ceann Comhairle holds an important role within the Dáil chamber. They are the sole judge of order within the Dáil, which comes with a range of powers. They are voted for by a secret ballot.
