Taoiseach Enda Kenny has ruled out a referendum on a united Ireland for the foreseeable future.
He told the Dáil there was “a depth and well of emotion that needs to be released” to allow a new understanding of the future to be brought about.
“It’s not the time to have a poll in a Border situation,” Mr Kenny said.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams raised the issue during leaders' questions, in the wake of the decision in Britain to hold a referendum in late 2014 on whether Scotland should remain part of the union.
Mr Adams said it was now a “live issue” and he invited the Taoiseach to begin a dialogue with those who want a united Ireland. The Louth TD added that the question of a Border poll is part of the Belfast Agreement.
Mr Kenny said he was “well aware of what the Good Friday Agreement says, but there’s a time and place for everything”.
"We need to get our economy in order here" first to a situation "where an economy is growing and thriving with jobs being created with direct beneficial impact on the Border areas," Mr Kenny said.