The Government yesterday moved a step closer to establishing a civic honours list to acknowledge those who have made a major contribution to Irish society.
The Cabinet agreed at its weekly meeting to consult Opposition party leaders to see what form an honours list would take.
Last night both Fine Gael and Labour welcomed the invitation to contribute their views on the matter.
The Government move follows a recommendation in a report from the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution which recommended that the President be given the power to draw up an honours list recognising the exceptional contribution of citizens.
The Republic has no honours system, and the committee report said such public recognition would "give to Ireland a stimulus to excellence and enhance diplomatic relations by allowing the State to reciprocate honours".
The Government has been heavily lobbied by the two main Opposition parties in the last two years on the matter. If a list is established the Government is determined it will go beyond party politics.
The Fine Gael TD, Mr Michael Finucane, said last night the recognition of the contribution made by people to Irish society had fallen on institutions and organisations outside Ireland and it was now time to redress this.
He suggested that Ireland look at the French and other foreign honours systems.
The Labour Parliamentary Party chairman, Mr Willie Penrose, said his party would look favourably on the establishment of a system where contributions of people were formally recognised by the State.
Mr Penrose said that for many years musicians and their peers, through awards ceremonies, had feted sports people. It was now time for the State to play a key role in honouring its citizens.
A Government spokesman said the views of Opposition parties had been invited, and it would decide how to proceed after consultation with them.