The Government will make a decision on whether to hold a referendum on the St Andrew's Agreement after Northern Ireland parties agree a position on the issue, it emerged tonight.
According to last week's devolution timetable announced by the two governments, a proposed power-sharing deal must be endorsed by the electorate by either an election or a referendum in March.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said in Scotland that he favoured a referendum in the Republic in March. However Fine Gael has rejected the suggestion because it said the Belfast Agreement was already overwhelmingly endorsed by voters north and south in 1998.
A spokesperson for Mr Ahern said tonight: "The political parties in Northern Ireland must first decide a position on a referendum.
"Then the Irish Government will begin a consultation process among political parties in the Republic and seek legal advice from the Attorney General on the issue."
Mr Kenny said a unanimous vote by the Dail would offer any necessary political endorsement.