No 'specific invitation' to US as ministers plan St Patrick's Day visits

Eight ministers are set to travel to the US over the St Patrick's Day week, although no "specific invitation' has been extended.

Simon Harris will stress to the Cabinet on Wednesday morning on the importance of the US visits particularly to build relationships and partnerships with political leaders at federal and state level.

The eight ministers, including Simon Harris and Micheál Martin, will visit almost 40 locations across the globe and over eight cities in the US including Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

For these US visits, ministers will be expected to reiterate and emphasise the Ireland-US economic relationship that is valued at over €1 trillion per annum.

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Speaking on his way to Cabinet on Wednesday morning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said "there is never actually a specific invitation", and that while he hasn't received the invite to meet with US President Donald Trump, "these things get worked out" closer to the time.

While Mr Martin said he fully expects to meet Trump for the ceremonial bowl of shamrock exchange as part of the annual celebrations, he said it's vitally important these visits are maintained "no matter who is the US President".

"It's important, given our global trading position, and also to meet with the Irish diaspora and Irish communities across the globe who celebrate St Patrick's Day.

"There's a particular focus on the Unites States this year, and given our extended diplomatic footprint that we've established over the last number of years in different states," he added.