People may be blocked from using their mobile phones in hospitals, prisons and cinemas under a new plan being considered by the communications regulator.
The regulator is considering legalising a new type of technology that can prevent people from making or receiving calls within particular public areas.
The new technology, known as an "interceptor system", is being considered for use in public places where mobile phone use could be considered "inappropriate or thoughtless".
The system detects mobile phones in particular areas by honing in on their signal. When it detects a handset it sends a message to the nearest base station to enable it to prevent the user from making or receiving any calls.
Interceptor systems can be set up to enable people to make mobile calls to the emergency services. They also automatically direct a call to voice mail when a customer is in a "quiet zone".
They are different from mobile phone jamming systems because they do not indiscriminately block signals in an area.
Mobile phone jammers are illegal in the Republic because they can interfere with and block all signals, including emergency service calls made by the public.
Last year the Savoy cinema in Dublin was forced to dismantle a jamming device, following an intervention by the regulator.
The Savoy had installed a device called a MobileBlocker to prevent people from making or receiving calls within the auditorium. In a consultation paper on the plan published yesterday the regulator, Mr John Doherty, said there were certain instances where restricting mobile services would be appropriate.
He specifically mentioned hospitals and prisons as places where interceptors could prove useful. But theatres, cinemas and even public transport could also become "quiet zones".
Mr Doherty said he would consult on the issue and take the views of interested parties into account when making a decision.