The Dáil has passed a motion of confidence in Tánaiste Joan Burton.

The motion was passed by 81 votes to 32.

The Government tabled the motion of confidence in response to a motion of no confidence put forward by the Independent Alliance following the appointment by the Tánaiste of David Begg to the position of Chair of the Pensions Authority.

The Independent Alliance claim that the position was not even advertised, and have labelled it "blatant cronyism".

Mr Begg will serve a five-year term in a post worth over €20,000 a year.

The former general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) was appointed as chairman of the State board without going through the new process for State appointments.

However, a spokesman said this was permitted under the new guidelines as long as the minister was satisfied with the appointee's credentials.