A Fine Gael TD has called on the Government to prepare for a border poll given the continuing fallout from Brexit.
Spokesperson on European Affairs Neale Richmond said such a poll could be held in the next decade.
"Brexit has fundamentally changed the tone of debate when it comes to Irish unity and the fact that this British government has chosen to pursue the hardest possible form of Brexit has put in stark context the divisions that exist across these islands."
Mr Richmond said it is now "very conceivable" that a British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland could call a border poll on Irish unity within the next decade.
Speaking at an event in Westminster, hosted by campaign group Ireland's Future, the deputy called on the Government to set up an Oireachtas Committee on Irish Unity to prepare for it.
"Many people across this island, understandably, ask what would a united Ireland look like and sadly many also ask and what would it cost?"
He said now is the time to bring together stakeholders, experts and advocates of all positions to work through the issues in a parliamentary setting.
The deputy added that Brexit has shown what happens when there is no clear outline of what the answer looks like.
