The controversial dog breeding Bill has been passed in the Dail by 92 votes to 50, after the Labour Party voted with the Government.
Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath, who lost the Fianna Fáil whip for voting against legislation to ban stag hunting, voted against the Coalition.
Former ceann comhairle John O’Donoghue was absent from the Dáil during votes on the legislation, although he spoke on the Bill earlier. A spokesman for Government Chief Whip John Curran said Mr O’Donoghue was absent with permission.
There was a tense moment earlier when the Government won a vote on an amendment by just one vote: 69 to 68.
Fine Gael and Sinn Féin opposed the Bill.
Last week, Minister for the Environment John Gormley announced amendments to the Bill whereby the microchipping of hunting dogs would be delayed for a year as a concession to hunt clubs.
He also said that the animal welfare provisions would be dealt with by way of amending the 1958 Greyhound Industry Act.
A planned protest by the pro-hunting campaign group Rise (Rural Ireland Says Enough) outside Leinster House yesterday was called off.
