Sinn Féin is to table a Dáil motion calling on the Government to publish a discussion document on Irish unity.
The party's Dáil leader, Caoimhghin O Caolain, called on Irish political parties to unite behind the idea to make it a reality.
"People are talking about the symbolism of a united Ireland for the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising in 2016, but I believe it should be achieved as soon as humanly possible. I hope to see it in my lifetime," he said.
"The political situation has changed enormously and there will also be huge changes in the decade before us."
The motion, published today, calls for the promotion of all-Ireland policies and strategies and highlights the need to persuade unionists on the advantages of unification.
It also says the Government must "prepare politically, economically, socially and culturally for Irish unification".
PA
