Irish women are anxious to find out the implications of a Yes vote in next year's EU reform treaty, says former senator Maurice Hayes, chairman of the National Forum on Europe.
"It's a question of information and knowledge about the implications for Ireland," said Mr Hayes, after an information session for about 160 Irish Countrywomen's Association members in Termonfeckin, Co Louth.
He and other senior forum figures say that ICA members have the potential to influence large numbers of people in their communities.
Ireland is the only European state committed to holding a vote on the EU reform treaty, which aims to streamline the organisation's bureaucracy. It was approved in Lisbon last month, but each member state has to ratify it.
A No vote in the referendum, expected to be held in May or June, has the potential to set back the entire EU reform process.
Mr Hayes and forum staff explained the proposed changes to the ICA members yesterday.
"Ireland is one of the few countries giving people the opportunity to vote for the referendum," said Carmel Dawson, national president of the ICA. "It is important that we study it and inform ourselves before we vote."
Mr Hayes added: "People are anxious to find out about the treaty. Things like: what do the changes in working patterns mean? What are the implications for Ireland?
"Will there be any alteration of policy in relation to peacekeeping and neutrality?"
Ms Dawson said ICA members wanted to know about changes to the position of presidency of the European council.
Heads of state currently rotate through six-month terms as council president. Under the changes, the tenure will be increased to 2½ years.
This is more workable now that there are 27 member states in the EU, say those in favour of reform.