Laws allowing unpaid water bills to be deducted from wages and welfare payments have passed their first vote in the Dáil.
The Civil Debt Bill passed its first vote by 70 votes to 43.
Opposition TDs had criticised the Government's handling of the debate, which was ended before all TDs had a chance to contribute.
Opponents of water charges have also argued that the bill will not be enough to stop a mass boycott of the charges, as the measures will require a court order for each individual case of non-payment.
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, said the Government is trying to "steer the debate away from the real reason for this Bill.
"People can see right through this. The fight against water charges is far from over. The Government will not sweep this under the carpet because the people, and those of us in here who stand up for them, will not let you," he added.
