The Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, is to consider lifting the 40-year-old ban on religious advertising on RTÉ Radio and Television.
Religious organisations, broadcasters and the public are to be invited to make submissions to the Minister's public consultation process on the ban.
The ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the Roy Murphy v Ireland case, which relates to the ban, will also be considered as part of the process. The court is due to deliver its judgment in February.
The Minister has said that the ban was enacted at a time when "religious issues were more contentious and divisive". He added: "The question now arises whether Ireland today still needs this type of protection."