The Seanad has passed the Judicial Appointments Bill after the Government forced a guillotine - which prevented further debate on the issue.
It has been debated for 125 hours in the upper house, with this evening's vote sending the Bill back to the Dáil.
The bill, which has been a legislative priority of Minister for Transport Shane Ross, will establish a new body with a lay chairperson to select judges for appointment.
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan attended the Seanad to hear amendments from Senators.
Independent Senator Michael McDowell said the bill was unconstitutional and an amendment introduced by him would limit the amount of expenditure the newly appointment body would cost.
He said it was a gross waste of taxpayers money.
Independent Senator David Norris said that in "these days of fiscal prudence" it seemed incongruous to have a cost of €500,000 per year for an appointments body, and he proposed a limit of €300,000.
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik said she was disappointed by the Minister for Justice, that she had put forward some very serious and constructive proposals, and accused him of not compromising with her and other Senators on the bill.
She said it was unfortunate the minister did not see fit to engage with her amendment, which concerned an obligation to uphold judicial independence.
Mr Flanagan said he had given due and careful consideration raised by Senators in the course of the 125 hours of debate in the Seanad.
The vote was passed by 25 votes to 23.
