The Taoiseach has said the timing of Ireland's referendum on the new European Constitution would not be influenced by what happens in other countries that will be voting on the issue.
Bertie Ahern was launching documents outlining the constitution's provisions which will be widely circulated over the coming months.
Mr Ahern said the document set out in simple form how the EU worked and where it was going. He said he hoped the referendum in Ireland, which must be held by late 2006, would be the last such poll on a European issue in a generation.
The Taoiseach also defended the performance of EU Commission boss Jose Manuel Barroso in the current controversy over the nomination of Italy's Rocco Buttiglione as Justice Commissioner.
Mr Buttiglione's appointment was opposed because of his conservative views on homosexuality and the role of women.
Mr Ahern said Mr Barroso had immediately responded to objections to the Italian commissioner, and that when it became clear they could not be overcome, he had withdrawn his team.
The Taoiseach also said he did not anticipate any change in the portfolio held by Charlie McCreevy in any reshuffle caused by the row.
Earlier, Mr Barroso said he would conduct what he called a very limited reshuffle of his proposed EU executive. He hopes to present the executive to the European Parliament in less than a month.
