The Department of the Environment has clarified why there are bibles at polling stations across the country following reports of objections from voters.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that the are used in the case where a voter has no identification. In such a scenario voters can swear and oath to the bible.

Since then the Referendum Commissioner has taken to Twitter to address the concerns being put forward by voters:

Re queries on why bibles are at polling stations. In all elections and referendums they are for people to swear confirmation of identity.

— ReferendumCommission (@RefCom_ie) May 22, 2015

Bibles 2. DoE says Bible is there for efficiency cos most commonly used and not intended as affront to anyone. One can swear or affirm.

— ReferendumCommission (@RefCom_ie) May 22, 2015

Once an oath is taken voting can then resume as normal. Polls for today's referendum will remain open until 10 p.m.