Taoiseach: No confidence motions more to do with 'competition between opposition parties'

The Taoiseach has called on Micheál Martin to correct the record of the Dáil, and withdraw his claims that Enda Kenny sacked the Garda Commissioner.

The call came as the Dáil began its three-hour debate on a motion of confidence in the Taoiseach and the Government.

The Taoiseach says he has full confidence in the Attorney General and insists that the findings of the Fennelly Commission clear him of any wrongdoing.

He also says the motions of no confidence tabled by opposition parties are more to do with their own rivalries.

The Taoiseach said: "The tabling of these motions has more to do with the competition between the opposition parties than any genuine interest in the conclusion of the commission's interim report.

"They want to talk about anything other than the progress our country is making towards economic recovery and securing that recovery."