The Water Services Bill has passed all stages in the Dáil tonight after the Government exercised their power to cut short the debate.
TDs voted by 81 to 58 to pass the measures.
The Bill now goes to the Seanad where the coalition's minority could see it defeated.
Environment Minister Alan Kelly, amended part of the legislation replacing the words that a future Government 'may' hold a plebiscite if the utility is to be privatised, to read that a Government 'shall' hold the plebiscite.