Teachta Dála
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A Teachta Dála (pronounced Template:IPA2) is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish bicameral parliament. The term is Irish for "Assembly Delegate." The plural form is Teachta Dálaí. It is usually abbreviated as "TD" and these initials may be added after a person's name - for example a press report may refer to Bertie Ahern TD. In debates, a TD will be referred to as, for example, "Deputy Smith."
In general elections, 165 people are elected as TDs to the Dáil, each representing one of 43 multi-seat constituencies under the system of proportional representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote.
The Ceann Comhairle, or Speaker, is deemed to be returned automatically without having to seek re-election.