Brian Cowen said it was intended to have the election this year, as promised in the Programme for Government.
Minister for Environment, Local Government and Heritage John Gormley has indicated his intention to hold the election in June.
However, the Taoiseach said he could not give a categorical statement that it would happen then.
Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach to circulate the Heads of the Bill to the Opposition parties in the interests of electoral fair play.
