The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has invited his 12 Fianna Fail Ministers to individual, face-to-face meetings to discuss political strategy in the wake of the "hits" taken by the Government.
It is believed to be the first time in the lifetime of the Government that such a formal method of consultation has been arranged between Mr Ahern and his ministers.
Mr Ahern told Cabinet members that this year he wanted individual meetings to seek their views on how to repair damage caused during recent months and the future direction of the party.
The events include the O'Flaherty controversy, the collapse of the Fianna Fail vote in the Tipperary South by-election, and the indefinite postponement of the Haughey trial.
The meetings are separate from those between Mr Ahern and individual ministers and senior officials, which have traditionally taken place after the summer recess. These include discussions on progress in each Government department. They will also be held this year.
The individual consultations have already begun and are expected to continue next week. They are part of the general effort by Fianna Fail to focus on the party's handling of recent events and on how to avoid such problems in the future. Discussions, according to senior sources, will also focus on future strategy.
"These meetings are necessary after being in Government for three years and with 24 months or less to go to a general election," said one Government source. He said Fianna Fail wanted to try not to be "pulled and dragged round the place by events. We are keen in party headquarters and at parliamentary party level to try and lead events rather than respond to them."
The Taoiseach has apparently been asking his ministers about their views on "where to go from here and how they see things shaping up in the autumn".
There are also plans to hold formal discussions over the summer between party officials and senior party figures to discuss the same issues and map out future plans.