The Labour Party has urged the Government to agree to proposals it has submitted for the organisation on a regular basis of a dedicated "European Week".
Under the proposals, both Houses of the Oireachtas would concentrate the majority of business around European-related issues during that period.
The Labour Party Spokesperson on European Affairs, Mr Ruairí Quinn said today that the aim of the proposal was to increase awareness among the public and among the members of the Oireachtas of the work of the European institutions.
"Under our proposals one specific week in each Dáil session (i.e. three times per year) would be designated for the taking of European-related issues, Mr Quinn said.
"For instance this could include legislation and motions concerned with European issues or domestic legislation designed to give effect to EU directives".
The proposals also envisage prominent members of the EU Commission, such as President Prodi or Commissioners Patten or Fischler being invited to address members of the Dáil and Seanad, with an opportunity for members to put questions.
A similar programme of work is also proposed for the Seanad.