The Cabinet has agreed to ratify the EU Convention on the Protection of National Minorities.
Under the human rights section of the Belfast Agreement, the Government is obliged to take steps to strengthen human rights in its jurisdiction.
Following yesterday's Cabinet meeting, a Government spokesman said a motion would be brought to the Dail to pave the way for ratification.
The move is designed to ensure arrangements for improving human rights in the North will be reflected in the South and Britain. Meanwhile, the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution is to bring forward measures to underpin the constitutional protection of human rights. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has been established by Westminister legislation.