Fine Gael spokesman on foreign affairs Bernard Allen said the referendum on the EU constitution should be held before the end of the year.
Mr Allen said he welcomed the Government's decision to publish the necessary legislation shortly, adding that it should pass through the House before the summer recess.
"I urge also that the referendum be held as early as possible in the autumn, in late October or November, before the influence of members of the British media when they turn their attention to a referendum post the general election," he added.
Mr Allen asked how the Government's plans would be influenced by the outcome of the French referendum.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Noel Treacy said the Government had not yet taken a decision on the timing of the referendum.
"However, preparatory work on the wording of the necessary amendment is well advanced, including on the question of whether it would include any decision on whether Ireland would participate in permanent structured co-operation in the security and defence area in the list of matters which would require prior approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas," he added.
A White Paper would be published in June, and a short information guide would be circulated to households.
These would supplement the explanatory guide issued last October, he added.
Mr Treacy said it was a matter for each member state to take into account its legal and constitutional position and make its own decision.
"That is what Ireland will do," he added. "There are still four weeks remaining before the referendum will be held in France. I would be optimistic about the outcome of the referendum, given the central role France has played in the European Union since the days of the European coal and steel community and the EEC."
Mr Treacy said that the target date for the entry into force of the constitution, following ratification by all 25 member states in accordance with their own constitutional requirements, was November 1st, 2006.
