Procedure for motions[edit]

The standing orders of the Dáil have no special provisions for confidence motions, which are treated like any other motion.^[21] However, the prohibition on repeating motions previously moved in a session does not apply to confidence motions.^[23] Most motions of no confidence in Ireland have been tabled by an opposition party when the government's majority is secure but it is dealing with scandals, embarrassments, or poor election results. The opposition has no prospect of winning the vote, but can inflict symbolic damage in the debate.^[24][25] The practice in such cases is for the government to replace the opposition motion of no confidence with its own motion of confidence; either by an amendment to the original motion replacing its entire wording, or by using its control of the legislative agenda to pre-empt the usual order of business with a new motion.^[26][27][23] The time allocated for government speakers is higher on its own motion than it would have been on an opposition motion.^[28]