The three main political parties are planning intensive "think-ins" with backbenchers in the next few weeks before the start of the new Dail session following the summer break.
Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are holding private two-day sessions outside Dublin for parliamentary party members while Labour is holding a special one-day session in Dublin for its TDs and senators.
Fianna Fail is meeting on September 23rd and 24th in Galway, and outside speakers have been invited to address its members. As the line-up has not been finalised the party is not saying who the speakers will be at this stage.
A spokesman said the two-day session is aimed at giving the party the opportunity to look to the future and to address issues which will be relevant in the new millennium.
"As well as wider political issues and issues that affect the country matters that affect the party will also be discussed," he said.
The session will be attended by Ministers and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who will address the parliamentary party.
"We see this as an opportunity to regroup after the summer and to decide on tactics before the new Dail session," the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael meets on September 22nd and 23rd in Clonmel. A spokesman said internal party matters will be on the agenda as well as preparing for the Dail term ahead. "We will be deciding what pressure points we should be pushing as far as the Government is concerned," he added.
On September 23rd the chairs of the six policy groups will make presentations. This will be followed by a keynote speech from the leader, Mr John Bruton.
The Labour Party will hold an all-day session in Dublin on September 15th. A spokesman said it would discuss strategy and set down priorities for the Dail.
Major issues on the political calendar, such as the National Development Plan, the Budget and the new national agreement, will also be discussed.