Confidence motions in Dáil Éireann

If a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach or Government of Ireland is passed by Dáil Éireann, or a motion of confidence is defeated, then the Constitution requires both the Taoiseach and the Government to resign.[1] After this, either a replacement Taoiseach is elected by the Dáil, or the Dáil is dissolved and a general election is held. Motions have twice brought down the government, in each case resulting in an election: in November 1982 and again in November 1992.[2]

Confidence and supply
See also: Confidence and supply

In the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy, the minimum support necessary for a cabinet government to continue in office is confidence and supply from the legislative chamber or house to which the government is responsible. In Ireland's bicameral Oireachtas, the government is responsible to the Dáil (lower house). There have been occasions when Seanad Éireann (the upper house) voted on a confidence motion;[3][4] even if the government had lost the motion, it would not have fallen. Similarly, a Dáil motion of no confidence in a minister other than the Taoiseach would not necessitate a dissolution.[5] As well as the November 1982 and November 1992 instances of loss of confidence, there has been one occasion when the Irish government fell due to loss of supply in the Dáil. That was in January 1982, when Jim Kemmy withdrew support for the minority Government of the 22nd Dáil by opposing a budget resolution to introduce VAT on children's shoes.[6][7][d 1][v 1]
[d 2] In the revolutionary Dáil of the self-proclaimed Irish Republic, the Dáil vote on 7 January 1922 to approve the Anglo-Irish Treaty was a defeat in the position advocated by Éamon de Valera, who took it as loss of confidence and resigned as President of Dáil Éireann; the Dáil was not dissolved and the pro-Treaty majority voted Arthur Griffith as the new President.[d 3]

Loss of supply is when the opposition defeats a government spending proposal; the converse, when the government fails to defeat an opposition spending proposal, is merely symbolic, as both the 1922 and 1937 constitutions prohibit Oireachtas spending without government approval.[8] On 27 March 1930, due to the temporary absence of several Cumann na nGaedheal TDs, a Fianna Fáil opposition private member's money bill passed second reading;[d 4][v 2] W. T. Cosgrave observed the formality of resigning as President of the Executive Council.[d 5] He and the Executive Council were immediately re-elected by the Dáil.[d 6]

Ensuing dissolutions

Whereas in some jurisdictions the convention is for a prime minister who has lost confidence or supply to call an election, in Ireland he may be unable to do so, because the post-1937 Constitution gives the President discretion to refuse to dissolve the Dáil when requested by a Taoiseach who has lost confidence.[9][10] As of 2020 no President has made such a refusal. The intention is to allow the Dáil to choose an alternative Taoiseach and government from among the existing Oireachtas members without the trouble of an election. During the 1937 debate on the draft Constitution, Patrick McGilligan suggested making it compulsory rather than discretionary for the President to refuse a dissolution to a Taoiseach who had lost confidence; Éamon de Valera, the Constitution's prime instigator, rejected this, explaining his rationale:[d 7]

I take it that, if the Government has failed to secure support and faces the Dáil again, a new Government would be elected. For instance, if there was a measure which was regarded by the Government as one of primary importance, one which they felt it was essential they should get if they were to continue in office, there might be the question of getting a vote of confidence. If they felt that in those circumstances they could not, in fact, get a vote of confidence in the Dáil, then the Prime Minister would go to the President and say: "Our Government has been defeated on a measure of primary importance, and if I go for a vote of confidence on this question I do not think that I can get it, but the matter on which I have been defeated is of such a character that I am satisfied that if the people, the ultimate court for deciding these matters, got the opportunity they would decide in my favour." Under these circumstances the President has the right to say to him: "Well, you were defeated, and I am not going to give you dissolution." What, then, would be the position of the Taoiseach? He would go back to the Dáil and resign because obviously he could not carry on if he has to face a Dáil in which he is in a minority. It is stated here definitely that he has to resign if he fails to command support in Dáil Eireann. Therefore, the position for him was that he had to resign. Dáil Eireann would proceed to elect another Taoiseach and there would be a new Government formed. That is the position on that hypothesis.
On the other hand, if he goes to the President, and the President agrees with him that the situation is one in which the people ought to be given an opportunity to decide the question, he can say: "Very well, you prepare the proclamation and I will sign it, and we will dissolve Parliament. Then there is an election on that issue, and the electors will settle whether the Taoiseach, when he comes back, has a majority to carry on, or whether he is in a minority. What that simply means is that we are making provision in the Constitution for the possibility of referring a question of primary importance, on which the Government has been defeated, to the people for a decision.

On two occasions the President's power to refuse a dissolution has become an issue. In January 1982, President Patrick Hillery acceded to Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald's request for a dissolution, resulting in a general election. Brian Lenihan Snr unsuccessfully tried to persuade the President to refuse a dissolution and allow Fianna Fáil to try to form a new government; an action which caused controversy when he ran in the 1990 presidential election.[11] In 1994, when Labour left the coalition it had formed with Fianna Fáil in 1992, there was neither a confidence motion nor a request for a dissolution. Instead, negotiations led to a new coalition of Fine Gael, Labour, and Democratic Left. Fianna Fáil Taoiseach Albert Reynolds did not attempt to forestall this by requesting a dissolution, because he believed President Mary Robinson would have refused.[12][13]

On several occasions a Taoiseach leading a minority government has obtained a dissolution in the face of the imminent threat of losing a confidence motion: in September 1927,[lower-alpha 1] 1938, 1944, 1951, 1957, and 1987.[12][14] The 1922 Constitution of the Irish Free State required an Executive Council which had lost the Dáil's confidence to have its approval for a dissolution;[10][15] W. T. Cosgrave circumvented this in September 1927 by calling an election while the Dáil was adjourned.[10]

Procedure for motions

The standing orders of the Dáil have no special provisions for confidence motions, which are treated like any other motion.[14] 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.[16][14] 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.[17][18][19] The prohibition on repeating motions previously moved in a session does not apply to confidence motions.[19]

List of motions
DateGovt
No.		Govt
parties		ProposerGovt majority (votes)MotionContext
16 August 1927[d 8] 3rd ECCumann na nGaedhealLabour Thomas Johnston0 (71–71)[lower-alpha 2][v 3]That the Executive Council has ceased to retain the support of the majority in Dáil EireannFianna Fáil had just ended its abstentionism, so that the Cumann na nGaedheal government no longer had a Dáil working majority.[10][20] Fianna Fáil had agreed to support a minority government of Labour and the National League Party.[10][20] However, two National League TDs failed to support the motion: Vincent Rice defected to Cumann na nGaedheal, and John Jinks was mysteriously absent.[10][20][21] W. T. Cosgrave secured a Dáil adjournment, then dissolved the Dáil before it had a chance to table another confidence motion.[10] Cumann na nGaedheal returned stronger after the ensuing election and formed the next government.[10]
30 June–2 July 1953[d 9] 6thFianna FáilTaoiseach Éamon de Valera2 (73–71)[v 4]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentGovernment had just lost two by-elections[d 9]
29–30 October 1958[d 10] 8thFianna FáilLabour William Norton17 (54–71)[v 5]That, in view of the continued high level of unemployment and emigration and the failure of the Government to fulfil the promises made at the last general election that they would deal effectively with these problems, the Dáil has no confidence in the Government.Economy: unemployment and emigration
30 October 1963[d 11]10thFianna FáilLabour Brendan Corish4 (73–69)[v 6]That the Dáil, regarding as irresponsible and mischievous the action of certain political parties in continuing to oppose the tax arrangements made in the Finance Act, 1963, without proposing alternative taxation to provide for the maintenance of the public services; for their extension in the spheres of education, health, housing, and social welfare; and for the fulfilment of the Government's Programme for the nation's agricultural and industrial development and social progress, confirms its support for the Government and urges them to proceed with the vigorous implementation of their Programme.Introduction of turnover tax in the 1963 budget. Government motion amended a motion from the Labour Party:
That in view of the widespread public opposition to the turnover tax, the Dáil is of opinion that the Government have lost the confidence of the people, and, therefore, considers that they should resign forthwith.
8 July 1966[d 12]11thFianna FáilLabour Brendan Corish16 (50–66)[v 7]That Dáil Éireann bearing in mind the present economic situation, the lack of progress in creating new employment and in reducing unemployment and emigration, together with the crisis in the provision of finance for housing, has no confidence in the present Government.There was no debate on the motion itself; the adjournment debate for the summer recess was held immediately beforehand and served in effect as the debate on the Labour and Fine Gael confidence motions.
8 July 1966[d 12]11thFianna FáilFine Gael Liam Cosgrave12 (54–66)[v 8]That Dáil Éireann has no confidence in the present Government.Motion put to a vote immediately after the preceding Labour motion.
5–7 November 1968[d 13]12thFianna FáilTaoiseach Jack Lynch8 (68–60)[v 9]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the Government and approves the Government's financial proposalsRejection at referendum of the government's proposals to change the electoral system and favour rural constituencies.
13–14 May 1970[d 14]13thFianna FáilTaoiseach Jack Lynch8 (72–64)[v 10]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentArms Crisis
29 October–4 November 1970[d 15]13thFianna FáilTaoiseach Jack Lynch7 (74–67)[v 11]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in An Taoiseach and the other Members of the GovernmentArms Trial. Jack Lynch said "it was my prerogative as Leader of the Government Party to put down a positive motion in the face of motions of no confidence tabled by the Opposition".
23–29 October 1974[d 16][d 17][d 18]14thFine Gael–LabourTaoiseach Liam Cosgrave5 (70–65)[d 18]That Dáil Éireann affirms its confidence in the Government.First oil shock recession. Jack Lynch said, "The purpose of this debate, as initiated by our motion of no confidence in the Government, was to highlight the rapid deterioration in the economy and in the Government's total and abject failure to come to grips with the situation."[d 16]
28 October 1976[d 19][d 20]14thFine Gael–LabourTaoiseach Liam Cosgrave6 (73–67)[d 20]That Dáil Éireann affirms its confidence in the GovernmentResignation of Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh precipitated by criticism from minister Paddy Donegan.[d 19]
29–30 May 1979[d 21][d 22]15thFianna FáilMinister for Fisheries and Forestry Brian Lenihan Snr21 (67–46)[d 22]That Dáil Éireann expresses its satisfaction at the Government's management of the economy[d 22]Second oil shock recession.[d 21] Government amendment to the motion passed without division. Original motion by Labour Frank Cluskey:[d 21]
That Dáil Éireann gravely concerned about the serious economic mismanagement of the country by the Government declares that this House and the people of Ireland have no confidence in the Government
1 July 1982[d 23][d 24]18thFianna FáilTaoiseach Charles Haughey7 (84–77)[d 24]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentHaughey had survived attempts to remove him as party leader,[d 23] and opposed an EEC boycott of Argentina during the Falklands War.[d 23][22] The government's deficit was criticised by the European Commission.[d 23]
3–4 November 1982[d 25][d 26]18thFianna FáilTaoiseach Charles Haughey−2 (80–82)[d 26]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentHaughey had survived further attempts to remove him as party leader.[d 25] After GUBU and other scandals, the Workers' Party withdrew its support. Defeat led to the November 1982 Irish general election.
20–21 February 1986[d 27][d 28][d 29]19thFine Gael–LabourTánaiste Dick Spring5 (82–77)[d 29]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the Taoiseach and the GovernmentGarret FitzGerald accused of misleading the Dáil in relation to a botched reshuffle, by stating Donal Creed and Michael D'Arcy had resigned when, according to Charles Haughey, they had been sacked.[d 27]
22–23 October 1986[d 30][d 31][d 32]19thFine Gael–LabourTaoiseach Garret FitzGerald2 (83–81)[d 32]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the Taoiseach and the GovernmentEconomy: unemployment, taxation, and emigration.[d 30]
31 October 1990[d 33][d 34]21stFianna Fáil–Progressive DemocratsTaoiseach Charles Haughey3 (83–80)[d 34]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentDismissal of Brian Lenihan Snr during the 1990 presidential election.[d 33]
16–18 October 1991[d 35][d 36][d 37]21stFianna Fáil–Progressive DemocratsTaoiseach Charles Haughey3 (84–81)[d 37]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentAlleged "Golden Circle" of businessmen favoured by Fianna Fáil.[d 35]
5 November 1992[d 38][d 39]22ndFianna FáilTaoiseach Albert Reynolds−11 (77–88)[d 39]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the Taoiseach and the GovernmentThe PDs had just left the coalition, after Reynolds had accused leader Dessie O'Malley of being "reckless, irresponsible and dishonest" in his evidence to the Beef Tribunal.[d 38][23] Defeat led to the 1992 Irish general election.
28 October 1993[d 40][d 41]23rdFianna Fáil–LabourTaoiseach Albert Reynolds39 (94–55)[d 41]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentAmount of European Structural Funds allocated to Ireland was £7.2bn, as opposed to the £8.2bn announced previously.[d 40]
16–17 November 1994[d 42][d 43]23rdFianna Fáil–LabourTaoiseach Albert Reynolds Withdrawn when the government collapsed[d 43]During a controversy over the Attorney General's office delay extraditing paedophile priest Brendan Smyth, Reynolds appointed Attorney General Harry Whelehan to the High Court. After the confidence motion was tabled, Labour left the coalition and Reynolds resigned as Taoiseach the following day.[24]
12–13 November 1996[d 44][d 45][d 46]24thFine Gael–Labour–Democratic LeftTaoiseach John Bruton9 (79–70)[d 46]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentJudge Dominic Lynch not informed of his de-listing and continued to hear cases.[d 44][25]
30 June 2000[d 47]25thFianna Fáil–Progressive DemocratsTaoiseach Bertie Ahern9 (79–70)[d 47]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentBertie Ahern's evidence to the Moriarty Tribunal about his handling of Fianna Fáil finances.[d 47][26] Original no-confidence motion proposed by Labour.[26]
26 September 2007[d 48]27thFianna Fáil–Greens–Progressive DemocratsTaoiseach Bertie Ahern5 (81–76)[d 48] That Dáil Éireann:
  • affirms confidence in the Taoiseach and the Government;
  • recognises the enormous contribution made by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, TD, to Irish public life including his many achievements in:
    • patient and skilful leadership of the peace process which has resulted in a restoration of democratic institutions in Northern Ireland and a new era in North/South and Anglo-Irish relations;
    • implementing a policy framework which has produced sustained strong economic and employment growth which is the envy of Europe, and has laid the foundations for continuing prosperity into future generations;
    • sustaining and renewing the vital social partnership model, including the negotiation of a 10-year Framework Agreement to deepen stability and confidence;
    • providing record increases in investment in infrastructure and vital public services while providing prudently for future needs within a sustainable fiscal framework;
    • ensuring Ireland's interests are protected and that we play a leadership role in the evolution of Europe through his strong record of achievement as a senior member of the European Council;
    • prioritising climate change and securing a sustainable energy future for the country by working with partners in Government to reach our key environmental targets; and
    • renewing policies and institutions to cater for the needs of a new and more diverse Ireland, while affirming and supporting the values and structures which are at the heart of community life, through his support for the cultural, sporting and religious and community organisations that make up civil society;
  • recalls that the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments was established by resolution of Dáil Éireann and appointed by Instrument of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government on 4 November 1997;
  • affirms its confidence in the Mahon Tribunal;
  • understands that the Quarryvale module of the tribunal has not run its course and that a substantial number of witnesses are still scheduled to give evidence;
  • believes that members of the Oireachtas should not seek to predetermine the tribunal's report on the matters which it has asked the tribunal to investigate;
  • maintains that it is the role of the members of the tribunal to make an objective assessment of the completed evidence and to make findings if necessary;
  • commends the Government for refusing to be distracted from its agenda of taking Ireland forward with positive and inclusive policies;
  • reaffirms that the Programme for Government is a five-year programme and that the parties in Government will do their utmost to honour these commitments; and
  • rejects the politically opportunistic motion of no confidence put forward by the Fine Gael Party.
 Bertie Ahern's testimony to the Mahon Tribunal ("Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments").[d 48]
9–10 June 2009[d 49][d 50]28thFianna Fáil–Greens–Independent[lower-alpha 3]Taoiseach Brian Cowen6 (85–79)[d 50]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the GovernmentPoor result for government parties in the previous week's local and European elections.[d 49] The original motion proposed was:[27]
That Dáil Éireann has no confidence in the Government
15 June 2010[d 51]28thFianna Fáil–Greens–IndependentTaoiseach Brian Cowen5 (82–77)[d 51]That Dáil Éireann has confidence in the Taoiseach and the Government Publication of official reports on the 2008 Irish banking crisis, which were critical of government decisions.[d 51][28] The original Fine Gael motion was:[29]
That Dáil Éireann has no confidence in An Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen
11–12 December 2012[d 52]29thFine Gael–LabourMinister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin37 (88–51)[d 53]That Dáil Éireann has confidence in the Government as it deals with the current economic crisis in as fair a manner as possible, while prioritising economic recovery and job creationHandling of the post-2008 Irish economic downturn. The original no-confidence motion, proposed by Sinn Féin, and amended into a confidence-motion by the government, was:[d 54][30]
That Dáil Éireann has no confidence in the Fine Gael and Labour coalition Government; who have failed to fulfill their obligations to make political decisions and choices which benefit the citizens of this State.
9 December 2014[d 55]29thFine Gael–LabourTaoiseach Enda Kenny31 (86–55)[d 56]That Dáil Éireann reaffirms i[t]s confidence in the Taoiseach and in the Government.Irish Water metering and charges.[31] The original Sinn Féin no-confidence motion was scheduled for the following day, the same time as a Sinn-Féin-backed anti-water-charges protest rally outside Leinster House.[31] It read:[32][d 57]
That Dáil Éireann:
notes that the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, has failed to listen to the citizens of this State, including the widespread public opposition to domestic water charges and to Irish Water;
has no confidence in the Taoiseach;
and calls on the Taoiseach to resign and to request the President to dissolve the Dáil and call a general election.
22 September 2015[33]29thFine Gael–LabourTaoiseach Enda Kenny[d 58]42 (94–52)[d 59]That Dáil Éireann welcomes the publication of the Interim Report of the Fennelly Commission and notes its conclusions and reaffirms its confidence in the Taoiseach, in the Attorney General and in the Government.[d 58]Fennelly Commission's interim report on the resignation of Martin Callinan.[33] The government motion replaced two opposition motions:[33][34]
  • from Fianna Fáil: "That Dáil Éireann, arising from the contents and the conclusions of the Interim Report of the Fennelly Commission, does not have confidence in An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD."
  • from Sinn Féin: "That Dáil Éireann:
    • notes that:
      • following the recent publication of the Fennelly Commission Report that the deliberate actions of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny in instructing former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Mr. Brian Purcell, to visit the home of former Garda Commissioner Mr. Martin Callinan resulted in the Commissioner's effective sacking from his post; and
      • the Attorney General Máire Whelan SC failed to adequately discharge her responsibilities in the public interest by failing to communicate information to relevant parties including the former Minister for Justice and the former Garda Commissioner; and
    • declares that Dáil Éireann has no confidence in both the Attorney General and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and calls on the Attorney General and An Taoiseach to resign forthwith."
15 February 2017[d 60]30thFine Gael–IndependentsTaoiseach Enda Kenny5 (57–52)
44 abstained[lower-alpha 4][36]		 That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the Government[d 60]Handling of the Garda whistleblower scandal. The government motion replaced one from Sinn Féin:[37]

That Dáil Éireann:

notes:
— the recent revelations regarding the treatment of Garda whistleblower, Sergeant Maurice McCabe, by agencies of the State;
— the failure of Government Ministers to act to protect the interests of Sgt. McCabe and, by extension, endangering the rights of all citizens; and
— that this scandal goes to the very heart of the integrity of this Government; and
has no confidence in the Government and calls on the Taoiseach and his entire Cabinet to resign forthwith to allow fresh elections.

Footnotes
  1. The head of government in 1927 was styled President of the Executive Council rather than Taoiseach. The Dáil adjourned in August but was not dissolved until September.[10]
  2. Defeated on the casting vote of Ceann Comhairle Michael Hayes.
  3. Mary Harney remained a cabinet minister after the dissolution of the Progressive Democrats.
  4. This was the first confidence motion since the 2016 introduction of official recording of abstentions.[35]

Sources
  • MacCarthaigh, Muiris (1 January 2005). "How parliamentary accountability functions in Dáil Éireann". Accountability in Irish Parliamentary Politics. Institute of Public Administration. ISBN 9781904541318. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  • Mitchell, Paul (19 January 2006). "Ireland: 'O What a Tangled Web...'—Delegation, Accountability, and Executive Power". In Strøm, Kaare; Müller, Wolfgang C.; Bergman, Torbjörn (eds.). Delegation and Accountability in Parliamentary Democracies. Oxford University Press. pp. 418–444. doi:10.1093/019829784X.003.0013. ISBN 9780199291601. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  • Constitution of Ireland
  • Dáil debates 1919–present

References
Dáil debates
  1. "Financial Resolutions, 1982 - Financial Statement, Budget, 1982 – Dáil Éireann (22nd Dáil) – 27 January 1982". Oireachtas. p. 23, cc.329–330. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  2. "FORÓGRA PROCLAMATION – Dáil Éireann (23rd Dáil) – Tuesday, 9 Mar 1982". Oireachtas. p. 2, cc.3–4. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  3. "Resignation of President De Valera". Dáil Éireann Debates. Oireachtas. 9 January 1922. pp. Vol.T No.16 p.3 cc349–380. Retrieved 19 April 2018.; "Election of President". Dáil Éireann Debates. Oireachtas. 10 January 1922. Vol.T No.17 p.3 cc392–411. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  4. "Old Age Pensions Bill 1929—Second Stage (Resumed)". Dáil Éireann debates. 27 March 1930. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  5. "Resignation of the President". Dáil Éireann debates. 28 March 1930. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  6. "Nomination of President of the Executive Council". Dáil Éireann debates. 2 April 1930. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  7. De Valera, Éamon (26 May 1937). "Bunreacht na hEireann (Dréacht)—Coiste (Ath-thógaint)". Dáil Éireann (8th Dáil). Oireachtas. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  8. "Public business: No confidence motion – Dáil Éireann (5th Dáil) – 16 August 1927". Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  9. "Vote of Confidence—Motion by Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (14th Dáil) – Tuesday, 30 June 1953". Oireachtas. Retrieved 9 November 2020.; "Vote of Confidence—Motion by Taoiseach (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (14th Dáil) – Wednesday, 1 July 1953". Oireachtas. Retrieved 9 November 2020.; "Vote of Confidence—Motion by Taoiseach (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (14th Dáil) – Wednesday, 1 July 1953". Oireachtas. Retrieved 9 November 2020.; "Vote of Confidence—Motion by Taoiseach (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (14th Dáil) – Wednesday, 2 July 1953". Oireachtas. Retrieved 9 November 2020.; "Vote of Confidence—Motion by Taoiseach (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (14th Dáil) – Wednesday, 2 July 1953". Oireachtas. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  10. "Committee of Selection - Unemployment and Emigration: Motion of No Confidence – Dáil Éireann (16th Dáil) – Wednesday, 29 October 1958". Oireachtas.; "Unemployment and Emigration: Motion of No Confidence (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (16th Dáil) – Wednesday, 29 October 1958". Oireachtas.; "Unemployment and Emigration: Motion of No Confidence (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (16th Dáil) – Wednesday, 29 October 1958". Oireachtas.
  11. "Turnover Tax. - Motion of No Confidence – Dáil Éireann (17th Dáil) – Wednesday, 30 October 1963". Oireachtas. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  12. "Adjournment (Summer Recess) – (18th Dáil) – Friday, 8 July 1966". Oireachtas. Retrieved 15 November 2020.; "Confidence in Government – (18th Dáil) – Friday, 8 July 1966". Oireachtas. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  13. "Financial Resolutions. - Confidence in Government – (18th Dáil) – Tuesday, 5 November 1968". Oireachtas. Retrieved 6 December 2020.; "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed) – (18th Dáil) – Wednesday, 6 November 1968". Oireachtas. Retrieved 6 December 2020.; "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed) – (18th Dáil) – Thursday, 7 November 1968". Oireachtas. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  14. "Confidence in Government: Motion – (19th Dáil) – Wednesday, 13 May 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 December 2020.; "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed) – (19th Dáil) – Thursday, 14 May 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 December 2020.; "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed) – (19th Dáil) – Thursday, 14 May 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  15. "Confidence in Taoiseach and Government: Motion – (19th Dáil) – Thursday, 29 Octover 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 22 December 2020.; "Confidence in Taoiseach and Government: Motion (Resumed) – (19th Dáil) – Tuesday, 3 November 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 22 December 2020.; "Confidence in Taoiseach and Government: Motion (Resumed) – (19th Dáil) – Wednesday, 4 November 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 22 December 2020.; "Confidence in Taoiseach and Government: Motion (Resumed) – (19th Dáil) – Wednesday, 4 November 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  16. "Confidence in the Government: Motion (Resumed)". 23 October 1974. p. 32.
  17. "Confidence in the Government: Motion (Resumed)". 24 October 1974. p. 4.
    "Confidence in the Government: Motion (Resumed)". 24 October 1974. p. 22.
  18. "Confidence in the Government: Motion (Resumed)". 29 October 1974. p. 28.
  19. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 28 October 1976. p. 4.
  20. "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed)". 28 October 1976. p. 19.
  21. "Private Members' Business – Confidence in Government: Motion". 29 May 1979. p. 31.
  22. "Private Members' Business – Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed)". 30 May 1979. p. 43.
  23. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 1 July 1982. p. 4.
  24. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 1 July 1982. p. 6.
  25. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 3 November 1982. p. 4.
  26. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 4 November 1982. p. 4.
  27. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 20 February 1986.
  28. "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed)". 20 February 1986.
  29. "Confidence in Government: Motion: (Resumed)". 21 February 1986. p. 4.
  30. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 22 October 1986. p. 17.
  31. "Confidence in Government: Motion: (Resumed". 23 October 1986. p. 7.
  32. "Confidence in Government: Motion: (Resumed". 23 October 1986. p. 22.
  33. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 31 October 1990. p. 5.
  34. "Confidence in Government: Motion: (Resumed". 31 October 1990. p. 16.
  35. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 16 October 1991. p. 5.
  36. "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed)". 16 October 1991. p. 16.
    "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed)". 17 October 1991. p. 6.
    "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed)". 17 October 1991. p. 21.
  37. "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed)". 18 October 1991. p. 4.
  38. "Confidence in Government: Motion". 5 November 1992. p. 15. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
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  51. "Confidence in the Taoiseach and the Government: Motion". 15 June 2010. p. 7.
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  53. "Confidence in the Government: Motion (Resumed) (Private Members) (Continued)". 12 December 2012. p. 60.
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Dáil votes
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  2. "Old Age Pensions Bill 1929—Second Stage (Resumed) – Votes – Dáil Éireann (6th Dáil) - 27 March 1930". Dáil Éireann debates. 27 March 1930. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  3. "Public business: No confidence motion – Votes – Dáil Éireann (5th Dáil) – 16 August 1927". Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  4. "Motion of Confidence (Resumed) – Votes – Dáil Éireann (14th Dáil) – 2 July 1953". Oireachtas. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  5. "Unemployment and Emigration: Motion of No Confidence (Resumed) – Amendment put – Votes – Dáil Éireann (16th Dáil) – 30 October 1958". Oireachtas. Retrieved 10 November 2020.; "Unemployment and Emigration: Motion of No Confidence (Resumed) – Main motion put – Votes – Dáil Éireann (16th Dáil) – 30 October 1958". Oireachtas. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  6. "Turnover Tax - Motion of No Confidence (Amendment put) – Dáil Éireann (17th Dáil) – Wednesday, 30 October 1963". Oireachtas. Retrieved 15 November 2020.; "Turnover Tax - Motion of No Confidence (Motion, as amended, put) – Dáil Éireann (17th Dáil) – Wednesday, 30 October 1963". Oireachtas. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  7. "Confidence in Government – (18th Dáil) – Friday, 8 July 1966". Oireachtas. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  8. "Confidence in Government – (18th Dáil) – Friday, 8 July 1966". Oireachtas. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
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  10. "Confidence in Government: Motion (Resumed) – Votes – (19th Dáil) – Thursday, 14 May 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  11. "Confidence in Taoiseach and Government: Motion (Resumed) – Votes – (19th Dáil) – Wednesday, 4 November 1970". Oireachtas. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
Other
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  2. MacCarthaigh 2005 p.132, fn.84
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  4. "Confidence in Government: Motion". Seanad Éireann debates. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  5. McDermott, Stephen (3 December 2019). "FactCheck: Would a vote of no confidence in Eoghan Murphy automatically spark an election?". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
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  7. "1982: VAT on Children's Shoes". RTÉ Archives: Memorable Budgets. RTÉ.ie. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  8. 1937 Constitution, Article 17.2; 1922 Constitution, Article 37
  9. Constitution of Ireland Article 13.2.2º
  10. McCullagh, David (9 September 2011). John A. Costello The Reluctant Taoiseach: A Biography of John A. Costello. Gill & Macmillan. pp. 73–75. ISBN 9780717151639. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
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  16. MacCarthaigh 2005 pp.131–132
  17. Mitchell 2006, p.433 Table 13.1 fn.b
  18. "Dáil to spend three hours debating motion of no confidence". Irish Examiner. 9 December 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
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  33. Collins, Stephen (22 September 2015). "Kenny to defend role in Callinan exit controversy". The Irish Times. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  34. "Dáil Éireann Order paper" (PDF). Oireachtas. 22 September 2015. pp. 1597 Nos 209, 210. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
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  36. "Dáil passes motion of confidence in Government". RTÉ.ie. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
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