The Government will encourage all "pro-EU" political parties to take an active part in its referendum campaign in favour of the EU constitution, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen has said.
Speaking at a Europe Week conference in Galway yesterday, the Minister said the Government was "determined" to "encourage the fullest possible debate" on the constitution.
No date had as yet been set for the referendum, but it is expected a decision will be made on this after publication of the White Paper, Mr Cowen said.
Leaflets would be delivered to the electorate and the Referendum Commission would explain the issues.
The EU constitution offered an opportunity to introduce "greater clarity, democracy and openness" to the EU, and it would strengthen citizens' rights and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the EU's institutions, Mr Cowen said.
"Critically, it will also bring to an end for a considerable time the repeated renegotiation of the Union's treaties," the Minister said.
Endorsement of the constitution would underpin the income and wealth levels achieved by Ireland in recent years as a result of EU membership and the economic policies adopted over the last decade by this and the previous government, Mr Cowen said.
In spite of uncertainties, such as high international oil prices, there were many reasons for Ireland to be optimistic about its economic future, he said.
