Legislation to enforce the payment of water charges has been passed following a debate in the Dáil.

The measures were included as amendments to the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill) 2014, which has now passed report stage.

The opposition criticised the Government for “ramming the legislation” through the house as the bill was guillotined.

The debate was briefly suspended to achieve a quorum, before the legislation was passed by 63 votes 35.

The bill will now proceed to the Seanad.

Under the bill tenants are obliged to pay their water bills, while landlords must inform Irish Water of the identity of their tenants.

In addition, householders will not be able to benefit from the proceeds of the sale of their home if their water charges are not paid.

Following the debate, Sinn Féin Deputy Leader McDonald was critical of the Government’s actions.

Ms McDonald said: "This Government's cynical abuse of Dáil procedures is becoming all too common as they seek to rush through legislation before the summer recess and bolster their appalling legislative record, one that will only be remembered for unfair and unwanted taxes such as the Local Property Tax and domestic water charges.”