The Taoiseach Mr Ahern met today with the Italian Prime Minister Mr Silvio Berlusconi for talks focusing on the next EU summit and Irish ratification of the Nice Treaty.
Mr Berlusconi's office said the two men had discussed the main issues on the agenda of Friday's EU summit in Seville, Spain.
Mr Ahern indicated his Government's commitment to a rapid ratification of the Nice Treaty on European enlargement after a referendum next autumn, according to a statement released by Mr Berlusconi's office.
The new Government is committed to holding a second referendum on the Nice Treaty, perhaps later this year.