Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since taking office I have met with the US President, Barack Obama, on several occasions.

I last met with him in Washington in March for the traditional St. Patrick's Day engagements at the White House. As always, our meeting on that occasion was mutually beneficial and an opportunity to promote Ireland's priorities with the US Administration. I reported to the House in May on my visit to the United States in March for the St. Patrick's Day programme of events, including my meeting with the US President.

I correspond with the US President as appropriate. For example, I wrote to him in June to convey the condolences of the Government and the Irish people following the atrocity and loss of life due to a terrorist attack at a nightclub in Orlando on 12 June of this year.

I anticipate I will be in contact with the US President before he leaves office in January. I would like to take this opportunity to put on the record of the House my best wishes to him, the First Lady, Michelle, and their family for their future endeavours.

Earlier today, I issued a statement and wrote to the president-elect, Donald Trump and vice-president-elect, Mike Pence, offering my congratulations on their success in the US elections. I wish them well for what is sure to be a challenging and crucially important period ahead.

I will work to ensure that the bonds of friendship and co-operation that have flourished during the President Obama's tenure will continue with the new Administration. I look forward to working with the new US Administration to further strengthen the deep friendship between Ireland and the United States which has been fostered over many years.

See this speech in context