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

The motion comes in response to plans by Sinn Féin to table a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Sinn Féin had planned to use its three hours of Dáil time tonight and tomorrow to call a vote on whether Mr Kenny should be forced to step down.

It says the Dáil should have no confidence in his ability to lead the country, because of his seeming refusal to listen to the demands of campaigners who want the water charges abolished.

Whenever there is a motion of no confidence, it is usual for the government to put forward its own counter-motion.

But in a more unusual move, the government has put down the motion within its own speaking time - making the Dáil sit for three extra hours for a debate that will end in a vote that the government is guaranteed to win.

Sinn Féin is instead using its three hours of Dáil time to call a vote on recognising a Palestinian state, while the extra time in the schedule means TDs will have to wait around until almost midnight before they can vote on approving the overhaul of the water charges regime.