Types of motions

Government motions

Departments coordinate with the Business Committee and the Government Chief Whip’s Office to schedule motions in the House, as well as with the Journal Office to place them on the Dáil business website. These motions often fulfill legislative requirements, such as approving regulations.

For example, under the Finance Act 2004, certain regulations must be approved by a resolution of Dáil Éireann before being enacted.

Other Government motions may involve budget estimates, terms of agreements, or partnerships requiring Dáil approval.

Committee motions

Committee-related motions, including reports and specific issue statements, must be signed by the clerk to the committee and submitted in hard copy and by email to the Journal Office for placement on the Dáil business website.

These motions frequently cover committee reports, such as pre-legislative scrutiny, or reports produced by committees where particular areas of Government policy have been scrutinised.

Private Members' motions

Any Member may propose a motion by submitting the text to the Journal Office. These motions remain on the Dáil business website until they are scheduled as Private Members' business or for a maximum of 12 months from their initial appearance.

Private Members' motions often address Government policy or pressing national or international issues. Some also serve as "motions to annul", which enable objection to a statutory instrument or regulation within a specified period, typically 21 sitting days, in line with legislative provisions.

An example of this would be an SI that, if opposed by a motion passed within the House, may be annulled. Notably, only one motion to annul has succeeded historically in the State, which was opposing EU penalties on Irish fishermen.