The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the President of France, Jacques Chirac, have said they want to complete the EU constitution before the Irish presidency ends in June.
It is the strongest indication yet that Europe's leaders are ready for final negotiations on the text, after talks in December ended in deadlock.
After talks with Mr Chirac, Mr Ahern told reporters that 'there is now growing support to finish the conclusions by the June council [EU summit in Brussels]'.
'We will continue to work with our colleagues to find those conclusions,' Mr Ahern said.
'By the 17th, 18th of June, that should be completion. If we can do it earlier we will do it earlier, but if not, we will do it by that date,' the Taoiseach added.
Mr Ahern's comments were echoed by the French President, whom EU diplomats had depicted as less keen than others to compromise on the crucial issue of member states' voting power for the sake of an agreement.
'We think it is possible to reach a conclusion on that date,' Mr Chirac said.
The leaders' comments come just ahead of this week's EU summit where a formal decision on restarting the talks will be taken.