A Government TD has called for a Minister to be appointed to focus solely on United Ireland.
It comes as the conversation on Irish unity continues to gain momentum following the UK's exit from the EU.
Fianna Fail TD for Cork East, James O’Connor says an issue of such importance needs to be given the resources it deserves.
"There's a growing dialogue now in Ireland, both north and south, where we're going to treat this issue with a newfound sense of urgency to tackle it.
"By appointing a Minister of State it would be a very good step in this process of starting the enormous level of preparations that are going to required if we're ever going to be in a position to put a referendum to the people north and south on a united Ireland."
