An expert group to study pre-nuptial agreements will be appointed within 10 days, Justice Minster Michael McDowell said today.
The high-level body is expected to be chaired by a senior counsel with expertise in family law.
Mr McDowell first announced he was setting up the expert group during a Fine Gael motion on pre-nups in the Seanad earlier this month.
At present there is no specific provision in Irish divorce legislation to recognise pre-nuptial agreements but they are not specifically outlawed either.
Ireland and Britain are the only countries in the EU which do not have legislation allowing pre-nups.
Mr McDowell said today: "I'm hoping to make the appointments to that committee within the next 10 days."
Fine Gael Senator Fergal Browne, who tabled the Seanad motion, said a statement of assets prior to marriage could help to make things less messy afterwards if the relationship doesn't work out.
The minister will also make appointments soon to a working group to study how to re-balance the criminal justice system in favour of victims rather than criminals.
In a speech in Limerick last weekend, Mr McDowell said: "Perhaps on examination of these topics, some improvement can be introduced so that the fine balance between the right of the prosecution and the rights of the defence can be maintained."