A referendum on allowing full marriage rights for gay couples is set to be held in 2015.
Ministers are understood to have agreed on the referendum at their cabinet meeting today.
It's thought that legislation will first be needed to iron out other rights for same-sex couples, such as the right to adopt a child.
The cabinet is also wary of voter fatigue, after already holding six referendums since the current government came to power.
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said it's important that there's public appetite for a referendum on same sex marriage;
