Minister for the Environment John Gormley has told the Dáil he may fast-track the proposed Commission that would oversee elections here.
He was speaking during a Private Members' debate on a Fine Gael Bill seeking to have three outstanding Dáil bye-elections held.
Mr Gormley said setting up the proposed Electoral Commission would be a major task but he did not want to see reform delayed unduly.
He is considering establishing an Electoral Commission on a non-statutory basis to report on how electoral reform should proceed.
The Fine Gael Bill, if passed, would require all bye-elections to be held within six months of a vacancy arising.
Fine Gael Environment Spokesman Phil Hogan said the bill would take away from any government the decision on holding a bye-election.
The writ would have to be moved by the Dáil after six months, if the Government had not moved it earlier.
The bill is being supported by three Independents - Joe Behan, Finian McGrath and Maureen O'Sullivan.
The vote on the Fine Gael bill will not be held until tomorrow night.
