Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has criticsed the Government and the main Opposition parties for failing to support his party's motion in support of a united Ireland.
The motion calls on the Government to draw up a green paper to prepare for the political, social, economic and cultural unification of the island and to engage in dialogue with unionists.
Gerry Adams: critical at lack of support for party's motion on unity
Outside the gates of the Dail this evening, Mr Adams said he could not understand the lack of support from the Government and opposition parties.
"For the life of me, why these parties which have as stated policy positions the objective of Irish unity, cannot support this motion, it's beyond me," he said.
The five Sinn Féin TDs have secured private members' time to debate the motion in the Dáil tonight, but the lack of support from other political parties means that it is unlikely to pass.
Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin defended the motion by saying that it was imperative for all parties to work towards a United Ireland.
"We're asking them to join with us to change it from an aspiration into a proactive achievement. Working together we believe that we can indeed hasten that day," he said.
Mr Ó Caoláin said he believed that re-unification could have benefits for all communities.
"As republicans, we're absolutely committed to working towards a United Ireland not only in the interests of Irish republicans and nationalists, but we believe in the interests of all those who share this island," he said.
"We believe it's a process of convincing, it's a process of persuasion and we are up to the dialogue and the engagement."
PA