The Government is using three hours of Dáil time today to table a motion of confidence in itself.

The debate comes in response to criticism over the events outlined in the Fennelly Report, surrounding the departure of Martin Callinan as Garda Commissioner.

The Dáil only returns from its summer break today - and Fianna Fáil had hoped to use the return to table a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

It says that while the Fennelly Commission found that Mr Kenny did not sack Martin Callinan, the Taoiseach's actions arguably forced the Garda Commissioner to quit anyway - and believes that is grounds for a motion of no confidence.

A debate on that was due to begin this evening with discussion on the Marriage Bill due beforehand.

But last night the government abruptly changed its agenda for the day - and now plans to have the Dáil spend three hours debating a motion of confidence in itself.

It means the Fianna Fáil motion gets kicked out - and under Dáil rules, it also means that the opposition parties can't table another one within the lifetime of this Government.

A vote is expected later this evening - which should see the government win by a comfortable majority.

On his way into Leinster House this morning, the Taoiseach accused Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail of game playing.

While the Public Expenditure Minsiter Brendan Howlin says the confidence motion in the Taoiseach will be an opportunity to champion the success of the Government.

And Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has hit back at Mr Kenny over his claims that opposition parties are "playing games".