Types of motions

Government motions

Government motions are frequently taken without debate and may be passed very speedily in the Chamber. In the Seanad, Government motions are often taken after the Order of Business and are moved by the Leader, Deputy Leader or another Senator. These motions often fulfil legislative requirements, such as approving regulations.

Committee motions

Committee 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 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. All amendments to these motions also require a seconder.

Typical Private Members’ motions may take the form, "That Seanad Éireann condemns the Government for ...", "notes that the current Housing policy is …" or calls on the Government to ...". These types of motions are usually taken during Private Members’ time when topics of national and international importance are discussed, as well as matters of concern to particular regions, groups or industries.