Taoiseach delivers speech at this years MacGill Summer School

 
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has delivered his speech at this years MacGill Summer School.

Addressing attendees, the Taoiseach said that 2016 would be remembered as a time of great change – both in the politics of this country and in the wider political environment, when the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union.
In relation to Brexit Mr. Kenny said the stakes have always been higher on this issue for Ireland, than for any other EU Member State.
“We were very active throughout this entire process in engaging with the UK Government, and with our EU partners, outlining our concerns and our interests.
We are continuing to do that”.
The Taoiseach said the Government fully recognises that the outcome of the UK referendum creates particular concerns in Northern Ireland.
“We will work all the harder in this post-Referendum period to ensure that the benefits of the peace process in Northern Ireland are preserved and that we continue to build on and develop areas of cross-border co-operation.
Ireland is in an important position given the strength of our relationship with the UK on one hand and our contentedness to the EU on the other”.
He concluded by saying his primary goal is Ireland’s national interests and that goal will be foremost in any discussions: with the UK; with our EU partners; and between the EU collectively and the UK.