The Taoiseach says US President-elect Joe Biden's response to an invite to Ireland was 'just try to keep me out'.
Micheál Martin says the traditional St Patrick's Day trip to Washington DC will be 'very dependent' on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
He also says it's 'disappointing' that Donald Trump has refused to accept the results of the election, but that he believes the outgoing president will eventually concede.
The Taoiseach invited Mr Biden to Ireland when they first spoke by phone following last month's results.
Mr Martin said: "When I invited [President-elect] Biden to Ireland, he said 'just try to keep me out'.
"I've met him before in his capacity as vice-president, when I was minister for foreign affairs. He has a genuine affection for [Ireland].
"I'd love to be able to get to Washington on St Patrick's Day, but we'll have to see what the future holds in terms of where COVID is."
Mr Martin said the President-elect made it clear that on day one he wants the US to rejoin the Paris climate accord and World Health Organisation.
He said the first year of the new US administration is likely to be 'interesting', as they work to 'reset' the relationship with the EU and UK.
Mr Martin also said it's 'disappointing' the outgoing US President Donald Trump has failed to concede.
The Taoiseach observed: "I think he will concede - there's an agenda perhaps... a political agenda... in respect of American politics.
"People are already thinking about the next election in term of the argumentation going on at the moment.
"I do believe in any democracy one should of course accept the election results... it's important for younger generations watching on that the transfer of power is an honourable one."
