Cowen: Motion of 'confidence' a waste of time

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has moved a motion of "complete confidence" in the Defence Minister Willie O'Dea in the Dáil.

It is to counter a proposed motion of "no confidence" submitted by Fine Gael.

The minister has denied making a false statement to the High Court, insisting he made a mistake and corrected it.

Mr Cowen has said there is "no question of perjury", and the Dáil "now has to waste time that could be used for more pressing matters".