Minister of State for the Marine Pat the Cope Gallagher today ordered the Rising Sunfishing boat be raised from the seabed in a bid to find the vessel's captain.
The bodies of two of the crew were discovered in the sea after the boat capsized suddenly off Great Saltee Island more than three weeks ago, but the skipper Pat Colfer remains missing.
His family last week appealed to Mr Gallagher to raise the Rising Sunin the hope his body can be located.
Initially, Mr Gallagher said accident investigators did not need to lift the boat and that he would not order it, but today he told the Coast Guard to prepare to raise the vessel.
"After careful consideration on the matter and a series of discussions with the relatives of the deceased men in Wexford and my officials, I have decided to ask the Irish Coast Guard to immediately commence planning for the raising of the RisingSun," Mr Gallagher said.
"I hope the operation can be completed as soon as possible having regard to the deep water location of the vessel and the requirements for health and safety standards.
"This is not a decision I have taken lightly, however there were a number of compelling arguments put forward which have swayed my thinking on the matter.
"Coming from a coastal community I know only too well the heartache and grief such tragedies can cause to families and loved ones.
"I witnessed the extent of this feeling myself two weeks ago when I visited the families in Wexford," Mr Gallagher added.