Minister Heather Humphreys has said she fears attacks by XL bully dogs "will become more frequent" if action is not taken, as she announced that the breed are to be banned under new regulations to be introduced later this year.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development said the ban, which will be implemented in two phases between October and February, is in the interest of public safety.
It follows calls for tighter dog control measures after a number of high-profile dog attacks.
Last month, 23-year-old Nicole Morey died after being attacked by an XL bully dog at her Co Limerick home.
The first phase will commence on 1 October this year, when it will be illegal to breed, sell, rehome or import XL bully dogs.
The second phase will be introduced on 1 February 2025.
This will see a ban on owning an XL bully dog, unless the owner has a Certificate of Exemption.
The certificates will only be issued to owners who can prove their dog has a licence, is microchipped and is neutered.
Further criteria for this exemption will be discussed by the Stakeholder Group on Dog Control.
In a statement, Minister Humphreys said: "If we do not take action now the number of these dogs in the country will grow and my fear is that these attacks will become more frequent.
"It is my strong view that Ireland should not be out of step with neighbouring jurisdictions in Northern Ireland and the UK on this matter."
"I know a lot of people will not agree with this decision. I'm a dog owner myself and I know people love their dogs," she said.
"We must be mindful however that no dog’s life is worth more than human life. Ultimately, that is what guided me in making this decision."
When asked about enforcement, Minister Humphreys said that the responsibility initially will be with dog wardens, who also work with An Garda Síochána.
However, the minister said that more dog wardens are needed. There are currently around 70 around the country.
Minister Humphreys said that there would now be a "big focus" on recruitment to ensure that these regulations will be enforced.
Read more: Call for clarity on how XL bully ban will be enforced
Owners of XL bullies who do not comply with the new regulations after 1 February next year will have their dog seized and euthanised.
XL bullies are already among 11 breeds of dogs, including crossbreeds, on a "restricted breeds" list in Ireland, but there are currently no bans in place.
Restrictions mean that while in public, these dogs must be muzzled, be kept on a strong lead by someone over the age of 16 and wear a collar with the name and address of their owner.
The measures are being introduced following consultation with the chair of the stakeholder group on dog control and the Attorney General.
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In March, Ms Humphreys established the group to examine dog control issues.
That working group is chaired by former garda assistant commissioner John Twomey.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has also previously said he would like to see a ban and that there was a "clear need" for Government action.
The new measures will bring Ireland in line with the UK.
Last week, a similar two-stage approach on XL bully dogs came into effect in Northern Ireland, so the announcement means the rules will be broadly the same on both sides of the border from October.
In a statement, the DSPCA said it was concerned that "people will panic and abandon their pets".
"We understand that Minister Humphreys has had a difficult decision to make and we will wait to see how this will work in practical terms. As a charity our fears are that people will panic and abandon their pets or look at already full rescue centres to rehome them."
