The Government is committed to finding an "acceptable" resolution to the Lisbon dilemma, the Taoiseach has told the European Council.
Brian Cowen has set December as a deadline to make progress on the issue and formulate a plan of action after voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty on June 12th.
"As we embark on this process, it is not yet possible to be prescriptive about outcomes. Four months have elapsed since our referendum and our domestic political debate is taking its course, but still has some way to go," he said.
"In the coming months, I envisage a comprehensive exploration of ways in which the concerns that surfaced during our referendum campaign can be adequately addressed."
Mr Cowen told the council that although it had been made clear that there was no desire to renegotiate the treaty, the concerns of the Irish people had to be addressed if there was to be an "acceptable way forward".
"I fully understand the anxiety across the Union to bring the Treaty reform process to a conclusion. I accept that the desire for a stronger, more cohesive and more effective Union has increased significantly in light of recent political and economic developments. That is the kind of Union that Ireland also wants," he said.
The Taoiseach discussed the results of a survey on the Lisbon Treaty and the reasons for its rejection by the Irish electorate, which indicated that Irish citizens still wanted to stay fully involved in the EU. "In that sense, the vote cannot be described as an expression of anti-EU sentiment," he said.
He blamed a lack of knowledge and understanding for the treaty's rejection, and warned that this also applied to the EU and how it functions. Mr Cowen said this required "a concerted response".
"This is not unique to Ireland, but in our case it certainly made things easier for those who sought to spread misinformation and confusion," he said.
"At national level, we are working with the European Commission to develop more effective communication. But it is also something we should consider more broadly across the Union."
Mr Cowen said there was also a "growing sense of disconnect from, and perceived loss of influence in, the EU".
"This is something that must concern us all. A union where the citizens feel detached or disconnected is not a fully effective Union. I believe we need to reflect on this, to see if we have are getting the right balance
between efficiency and effectiveness," he said.
The Taoiseach also told the European Council he held the opinion that the future of Ireland is "absolutely interwoven" with membership and full participation in the EU.
"Recent events showed the critical value of our membership of the eurozone and access to the support of the European Central Bank," he said.
However, he said Ireland should not be seen to be hindering progress "without properly assessing the consequences for ourselves".
"We need also to accept that pooling sovereignty with others is not the same as giving it away," he said.