The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has written to the leaders of the Fine Gael and Labour parties setting out revised terms for a Forum on the Nice Treaty and on future European enlargement and integration.
Mr Ahern's initiative follows the rejection by the Fine Gael leader, Mr Noonan, of an earlier proposal which he described as a formula for a "three-year talking shop". At that time Mr Noonan indicated his willingness to participate in short-term discussions orientated towards the Nice Treaty.
A spokesman for the Government declined to give details of the proposal last night and said no response had been received from Fine Gael. The reaction by Mr Ruairi Quinn of the Labour Party had been generally favourable.
It is understood the Taoiseach is anxious to have a forum, along the lines of the New Ireland Forum, in operation by the end of September. Participants would discuss the future development of the European Union, the reasons for the rejection of the Nice Treaty by the electorate in a referendum and the political assurances and clarifications that might secure its adoption.
A spokesman for Fine Gael confirmed that contact had been made by the Taoiseach's office within the past week but said no agreement had been reached with the Government on how disagreements might be resolved.
A spokesman for the Labour Party said it favoured the establishment of a forum that would discuss EU enlargement and the changes that would generate, especially in relation to political accountability. However, it was concerned that the organisations that had opposed the Nice Treaty should be given adequate representation and that the forum should not be dominated by the pro-treaty parties.
In addition to the forum, it is expected that some of the proposals advanced by the Labour Party last May, in a European Union Bill, may be adopted by the Government. On the issue of accountability, it had proposed that Ministers should have to consult with the Oireachtas European Affairs Committee before voting on issues at the EU Council of Ministers. EU officials might also be required to explain draft directives to the committee.