Taoiseach Enda Kenny has held talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street as part of a two-day trip to the UK.
Mr Cameron has offered his condolences to the friends and families of the Irish students killed in this weeks balcony collapse in the US.
The two leaders discussed the current political deadlock in Northern Ireland, as well as a range of economic issues.
In relation to the planned referendum on EU membership, Mr Kenny said he believed it was important for the UK to remain an active member of the EU.
He said there were many areas of agreement with the UK and Ireland in relation to Europe.
Mr Cameron has continued his charm offensive across the EU this week ahead of an In/Out referendum on Europe at some point before December 2017.
The Taoiseach began his day in London with a visit to the Irish Women's Survivors Network in Kentish Town.
The centre - known as Whispering Hope - offers support to female survivors of Irish religious-run institutions.
Mr Kenny told the women at the centre - many of whom spent years in Irish Magdalene laundries - that he understood their suffering.
He said they had in their hearts made the journey from victim to witness.
Last night, Mr Kenny attended an event in London to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.
