Social partnership has a role in meeting EU job-creation targets, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern said today.
Meeting a delegation from the European Trade Union Confederation, the Taoiseach said the "Lisbon Agenda" - the 10-year plan to make the EU the most competitive economy in the world - would form the basis of the job-creation policies promoted during Ireland's presidency.
He said the focus would be the "creation of more and better jobs in the EU economy" and welcomed input from the social partners.
"I am willing to explore ways in which the involvement of the social partners can be deepened in advancing all aspects of the Presidency programme, but, in particular, the Lisbon Agenda," he said.
Mr Ahern met the union delegation, which included the general secretary of ICTU, Mr David Begg, in preparation for the European Council Summit in March.
In the coming months the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will prepare a submission for the summit of EU leaders in the Spring that will address economic reforms in the context of job creation.
Today, it published Making Work Pay: Exploring the Interaction between Social Protection and Work.
Declaring job creation a key priority for Ireland's presidency it says the Lisbon goals suggest commercial, infrastructural, social and health considerations all have a role in developing job-creation programmes.
During the Irish presidency the council will meet in March and June but there will be an informal preparatory gathering in Galway at the end of this week.
In the forward to today's paper, it said economic growth must be "socially sustainable" though a commitment to equal opportunities and health promotion.
The provision of efficient public services and "a coordinated framework of social security" are also seen as key elements of the strategy.
The paper was signed by the Minster for Health, Mr Martin; the Minister for Community Affairs, Ms Coughlan; the Minister for Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Mr Frank Fahey; and the Minister of State for Equality, Mr Willie O'Dea.