The Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said he believes there is a strong case for gaining clarification over the data watchdog's findings on the Public Services Card.
It comes after a two-year investigation by the Data Protection Commissioner found that it was unlawful to force individuals to obtain the card to access State services.
The Government was told it must now delete data on 3.2 million citizens who have been issued the card.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties criticised the decision to appeal the DPC's findings.
The report was discussed at Cabinet last night where Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty and Minister Donohoe briefed colleagues.
Mr Donohoe said: "I have reviewed a number of different pieces of legal advice that have been made available to me now through the office of the Attorney General.
"We do all this in the context of the greatest respect for the office of the Data Protection Commissioner, but we believe there is a strong case for gaining clarification regarding the views that the Commissioner has issued."
