The 50th birthday of the European Union will be marked in Leinster House today.
The Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs will hold a special debate to celebrate the 1957 signing of the Treaty of Rome, which led to the founding of the 27-state bloc.
European Commissioner Joe Borg will address TDs and Senators on the theme "Reflections on the EU at 50". The Maltese politician has responsibility for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
An Oireachtas spokesman said: "The debate is designed to foster greater awareness among the general public, and particularly young people, of the benefits which the EU has brought, especially to Ireland, since the Treaty was signed on March 25th, 1957.
"The session will stimulate ongoing discussion outside the Dáil chamber, at all levels of society in Ireland, culminating in a special debate in the Dáil and Seanad in the autumn."
A website ( www.europeatfifty.ie) will be set up soon to encourage members of the public to contribute their views and observations on the issue.
Last May, EU Agriculture Commissioner Marianne Fischer-Boel became the first commissioner to participate in a national parliamentary debate in an EU member state, when a special joint Dail-Seanad session was held.
Germany, which currently holds the EU presidency, will host celebrations in Berlin later this month that will be attended by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and other EU leaders.
German ChancellorAngela Merkel will also chair an EU Summit in June when she will present member states with her ideas on how the stalled European Constitution can be revived.