Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has criticised the Government for not setting a date for the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and for failing to keep Opposition parties informed of the progress of negotiations.
At the launch of Fine Gael's European Parliament election manifesto, Mr Kenny stressed the importance of sending a strong team to the Parliament.
He said the next decade would see major changes in Europe and Ireland needs friends there.
Fine Gael is proposing the appointment of a new EU Citizens' Officer to defend the public interest when European legislation is transposed into Irish law.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Billy Timmons said the role would be similar to the existing office of Comptroller and Auditor General.
Deputy Timmons said Fine Gael were 'central players' in Brussels through its membership of the European People's Party the largest political group in the Parliament.
