The Government today passed an amendment to the Electoral Bill banning the publication of opinion polls in the week before an election.
A last-minute amendment submitted to the Dáil provides for fines of up to £100,000 (euro 127,000) and/or two years in prison if anyone breaks the ban.
The Labour Party attempt to have the Electoral Bill returned to the committee stage for further discussion was defeated by 55 votes to 43.
The new Bill will apply to Dáil, European Parliament, presidential and local elections, as well as referenda, and to all polls, whether conducted by telephone, direct question or other means of communication.
The Irish Timessaid it would "deny citizens vital information that could assist them in terms of strategic voting and may well be unconstitutional."
It said the manner in which the measure is being rushed through parliament was "disgraceful." A similar ban was considered in 1991, but was shelved amid concern it might contravene the country's 1937 constitution.
Before signing the measure into law, President Mary McAleese can choose to refer it to the Supreme Court to rule whether it accords with constitutional provisions.
Additional reporting AFP