Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Brendan Howlin for his comments on the Orlando massacre and I also thank the other leaders.

I asked that the Government fly the flag at half mast today on public buildings and hope to sign the book of condolence. There were multiple murders by Mr. Mateen in Orlando where 49 people were killed and 53 wounded at a night club. On behalf of the Irish people, I have sent a letter to President Obama indicating our solidarity with the American people and Government in the matter. I unreservedly condemn the latest appalling incident in the United States. That it occurred in the Pulse night club, a meeting place for the LGBT community, sends its own particular cowardly statement. I take to heart Deputy Brendan Howlin's point about discrimination here and the issues that still must be addressed following the marriage equality referendum and other issues relevant to the LGBT community. We will follow through on them.

I am happy for the draft culture report to be sent to the Oireachtas committee. It is a good suggestion.

I thank the Members of different parties who have travelled to Britain and Northern Ireland to make comments on Brexit. The result will depend on the turnout and whether people are sufficiently interested to vote on the issue. The evidence from many exporting firms here is that a Brexit would have a serious impact on this country in terms of competitiveness, efficiency, export capacity and so on. I will be happy to brief Opposition leaders. If the British electorate decide to leave the European Union, Ireland will not be leaving it. We have a very clear position on the issue. Ireland will continue to operate as a member of the European Union and speak, act and work in the interests of developing its potential. If Britain decides to leave the European Union, I will be very disappointed. It is very much in the interests of this country and Northern Ireland that Britain remain a strong and central member of the European Union. I hope, as people who intend to vote reflect on the issue in the coming days, that they will decide to vote to remain in the European Union. There are issues that need to be addressed. If Britain decides to stay, the agreement reached with the Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, and the other 27 member states will be implemented forthwith. If it decides to leave, these issues will fall, given that they are a one-off. Ireland has linked its future with the euro, the eurozone and the European Union by virtue of the referendum on the fiscal stability treaty a number of years ago. Lessons can be learned here about the necessity for change and the capacity of political leaders to effect change in the European Union in the interests of everybody.

See this speech in context