The government will today use three hours of Dáil time 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 Enda Kenny did NOT sack Martin Callinan, the Taoiseach's actions arguably forced the Garda Commissioner to quit anyway - and believes that's 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 Dail 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.

The motion will be debated from around half-two, with a vote at teatime - which should see the government win by a comfortable majority.