The Dáil has approved a motion of confidence in the government.

The motion was passed by 86 votes to 55, following a debate lasting well over three hours.

The lengthy debate means TDs will have to stay until after midnight to vote on aspects of the new water charges system.

During the debate the Taoiseach acknowledged that the government had made mistakes in its tenure, but argued that the country would experience extra instability if he called an early election.

Joan Burton said the Taoiseach was a "man of integrity", while Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams demanded that the Taoiseach call an election to copperfasten his mandate, and Fianna Fáíl's Micheal Martin said the government was so out of touch that it did not understand the very reasons why it was unpopular.