Seán Ó Fearghaíl was elected Ceann Comhairle of the 33rd Dáil at its first sitting on Thursday, 20 February.
Two candidates were nominated for the role, and a secret ballot was held. The other candidate, Denis Naughten received 28 votes and Deputy Ó Fearghaíl 130 votes. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl was then formally elected by the Dáil before taking the chair.
"I was very humbled by the result of the election earlier. I am even more humbled by the graciousness of the comments that have been made," said the Ceann Comhairle after Members of the Dáil congratulated him. "I pinched myself at one stage to make sure I was not dead. I appreciate what Members have said and guarantee them that it will spur me on to work more diligently and effectively on behalf of all Members of this House."
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl was also Ceann Comhairle of the 32nd Dáil. His election on 10 March 2016 was the first to be conducted by secret ballot of the members of Dáil Éireann.
The Ceann Comhairle is the Chairperson of Dáil Éireann who presides impartially and with authority over the business and proceedings of the House.