Fianna Fáil will focus on the future of the economy and the need to support young people when TDs and Senators gather for the party's annual "think-in" in Co Wicklow next Monday.
One of the main speakers during the two-day session will be clinical psychologist Dr Tony Bates, who will talk about empowering communities to support young people.
Dr Bates, an Irish Timescolumnist, is an expert in the area of youth suicide and is expected to touch on this topic during his address. He is founding director of Headstrong, the national centre for youth mental health.
Also addressing the conference will be Mary Davies, chief executive of Special Olympics Ireland and the author of a government-commissioned report on active citizenship. She will speak on promoting involvement at community level.
Former Dublin city manager John Fitzgerald will speak on planning for a social infrastructure.
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen and head of research and chief economist at Davy Stockbrokers Robbie Kelleher will address the meeting on the issue of securing economic prosperity. Matthew Taylor, a former chief adviser on political strategy to Tony Blair and the current chief executive of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, will also speak on the economy.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will deliver a keynote address while Fianna Fáil's general secretary, Seán Dorgan, will focus on the next local elections and candidate selection.
Tom Kitt, the Government chief whip, said yesterday that the "think-in" takes place after a successful general election for the party.
"However, there are very serious national issues to be focused on. It is important that we deliver a strategy that will keep the economy strong and we have strong speakers in this area," he said. Meanwhile, the first meeting of a new Cabinet subcommittee aimed at formulating and implementing Government policy in the area of climate change took place yesterday.
The subcommittee, chaired by the Taoiseach, will oversee the establishment of a special climate change commission and draw up initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, including rebalancing VRT and motor tax.
It will also set new energy efficiency targets for new homes as part of the target to reduce carbon emissions by 3 per cent. The subcommittee will also examine best practice in other countries and plans to meet again in November.