A motion is a proposal framed in such a way that, if agreed to, it would claim to express the will or judgment of the House.
Any Senator may table a motion for debate by submitting a copy of the text, signed by two Senators, as proposer and seconder, to the Seanad Office.
Notice of motions and amendments
Standing Orders provide that a motion may not be moved on a day unless it has reached the Clerk by 11.00 a.m. on the fourth preceding day, or the second preceding day in the case of amendments. However, the Cathaoirleach has the discretion to accept them at shorter notice.
Motions, and amendments to them, are printed on the Order Paper as soon as possible after they have been received. Motions and amendments received are circulated to Members in advance of their appearing on the Order Paper.
The Cathaoirleach rules on the admissibility of motions, and amendments to them, for compliance with Standing Orders.
Non-Government motions are debated for a maximum of two hours. Under Standing Order 45, time limits apply to individual speeches on such motions:
| Proposer | 12 minutes |
| Seconder | 8 minutes |
| Minister | 15 minutes |
| Proposer | 5 minutes in reply |
Contact an expert
Last Updated: Mon, 9 Dec 2024