The Taoiseach will not be travelling to Washington for St Patrick's Day, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Officials are now looking to organise a virtual meeting between Micheál Martin and US president Joe Biden that day.
A government spokesman says a programme of online events are expected to replace the traditional visit to the US.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris says it's the correct decision: "I think the fact there will still be a virtual St Patrick’s Day gathering is, I think, a sign of the importance President Biden still attaches to the Irish American relationship.
“In fact, I am not sure there has been an occupant of the White House in many decades who has attached as much importance.
“I have no doubt that President Biden, in due course, will want to visit Ireland and I have no doubt that our Taoiseach will visit Washington in due course.”
