The Taoiseach says Ireland might agree to a new European treaty, if it means Britain stays in the European Union.

Enda Kenny says Ireland will be prepared to support "reasonable" changes if it is needed to stop the UK from leaving.

Almost all of the major parties in Britain have promised to hold a referendum on pulling out of the EU after the general election there this year.

However the British Prime Minister David Cameron wants to hold talks first to try and secure changes on the workings of the union.

Changes to EU treaties will almost certainly mean a referendum here.

But speaking to ambassadors in Dublin this morning, Mr Kenny said Ireland could back some limited changes to the way the EU works.