Fine Gael is to develop a new blueprint for a unified island which it will publish at the party’s Ard Fheis in November.
The announcement was made by Tánaiste Simon Harris at an event in UCD to mark the centenary of the birth of Garret FitzGerald.
He said the publication would define what a unified Ireland could mean in practical terms, politically, economically, and societally.
It will examine fiscal implications, public services and the economic opportunities that could arise from unity.
Mr Harris said that Fine Gael must now engage seriously, responsibly, and respectfully with the future of this island.
“We cannot be passive observers to change. Nor can we approach questions on the future constitutional status of this Island through slogans, sentimentality, or simplistic assumptions, as some other political parties on this island do,” he said.
The Fine Gael Leader added that if constitutional change is to happen, it must be prepared for, carefully, honestly and inclusively.
“It must involve listening. Listening to you, the members of Fine Gael. Listening to people north and south. Listening to all traditions.”
Mr Harris also rejected suggestions that this was not the right time to prepare for constitutional change.
“This conversation is an essential step in building a new and better Ireland,” he said.
Mr Harris said all political parties are “duty bound to make a positive, credible contribution” in preparations for unity.
He said the work will be led by the Fine Gael Northern Ireland Engagement Group and facilitated by academic Professor Deirdre Heenan.
Mr Harris added: “Our responsibility is to ensure that any discussion about the future is informed, inclusive and grounded in reality.
“Fine Gael believes that reconciliation, not triumphalism, that persuasion must come before politics, and that respect must be at the heart of every conversation.”
He described unity not as “an event” but as “a process requiring leadership, planning and patience”.
Additional reporting PA