Sinn Féin is to establish a party think-tank to offer solutions to the Government on how to beat the recession, the party said today.
Louth TD Arthur Morgan is to head the Economic Strategy Group which will report back early next year with a set of proposals.
Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin told a two-day parliamentary party meeting ahead of the Dáil's resumption:
"Unlike other Opposition parties, Sinn Féin is not content to snipe from the sidelines," the Cavan/Monaghan TD said.
"Our focus will be on proposals to stabilise the economy in the short term, stimulate the economy in the medium term and fundamentally re-orientate it in the longer term."
The party, which is holding a two-day meeting at the Deerpark Hotel in Howth, has also set up a unit which will monitor Government cutbacks and the effect they are having on front line public services.
Sinn Féin's four TDs, one senator and one MEP will also be discussing the fall-out from voters' rejection of the Lisbon Treaty and the issue of community policing. The party will also be planning for next year's local and European elections.
An event is being organised to mark the 90th anniversary of the first Dáil in January 1919.