The Taoiseach has confirmed the review of the Belfast Agreement will start on January 29th.
The review will involve all the Northern Ireland Assembly parties, including the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin.
According to Mr Ahern, Irish and British government officials will meet next week to organise the operation of the review.
The Taoiseach said he expected the review to last a number of months, possibly taking a break around Easter and being interrupted by campaigning for the local and European elections in June.