Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has indicated that the Lisbon Treaty Referendum will take place before the summer.
He said there is a possibility of including an aspect of the children's referendum on the same day.
If it is not possible to do both on the same day it is likely that the Lisbon Treaty will take place pre-summer, according to Bertie Ahern.
He said Fine Gael was anxious to have the children's referendum on the same day and he said discussions were ongoing between both parties in that regard.
Mr Ahern was speaking as he prepared to address the National Forum on Europe at Dublin Castle.
In his address, Mr Ahern is expected to endorse the Lisbon Treaty strongly. He is also expected to express confidence that the Irish people will safeguard Ireland's future economic stability and growth by strongly supporting the Lisbon Treaty.
Maurice Hayes, Chairman of the Forum on Europe, has said he would like the Government to name the date when Lisbon Treaty referendum will be held.
Dick Roche, Minister for European Affairs, responded that voting will take place sooner rather than later.
Sinn Féin and Fine Gael have also called for the date to be announced. Billy Timmins, Fine Gael TD, said it was difficult to campaign when no date has been announced.
