The National Forum on Europe - prompted by the shock referendum rejection of the Nice Treaty - begins in Dublin today but without the participation of Fine Gael.
The party have refused to participate in the project, with party leader Mr Michael Noonan describing it as "a three-year talking shop".
The party also claimed discussions would "concentrate on debating the issues without attempting to reach any agreement". They say it will be used by the Government as an excuse to avoid questions on its attitude towards major European Union issues.
"It is a typical Bertie Ahern device. Everybody will be in a talking shop while the Government is free to take decisions untrammelled and leave the vast majority of the people behind - as in the Nice referendum," Mr Noonan said.
But the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, decided the forum should go ahead as planned, insisting he was bound by an agreement struck with other EU leaders to stage a national debate on the future of Europe.
He said Fine Gael should be part of the initiative and regretted "they have decided to stand aside from this vital debate".
Mr Ahern will join other party leaders and representatives at the opening ceremony for the forum in Dublin Castle.
With the exception of Fine Gael, all of Ireland's political parties with a seat in the Dail - whether both pro- or anti-Nice - will be represented.
The 32-member forum is being chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes, a former Northern Ireland Ombudsman and retired Belfast senior civil servant.
PA