MOSCOW, October 3 (RIA Novosti) - Votes are being counted in Ireland in a second nationwide referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, which sets out the rules for decision-making in the European Union.

The reform treaty, signed in December 2007, cannot come into effect until ratified by all members of the 27-nation bloc. Ireland rejected the treaty 18 months ago, but exit polls from Friday's vote suggest that the nation has now approved the pact.

The final results will be released later this afternoon, and the government and opposition have both said they expect the result to be a "yes" vote.

Prime Minister Brian Cowen had urged the nation to approve the treaty, which would provide a major step toward its approval by the whole EU, ending long-running uncertainty.

Last year, Irish voters blocked the pact, amid widespread disapproval of its military neutrality, and laws on tax and abortion.

The only other EU states that have yet to ratify it are Poland and the Czech Republic. However, Ireland is the only nation constitutionally required to put the decision to a referendum.

In last year's vote, 46.6% voted in favor, and 53.4% against.