The Taoiseach travels to Washington DC today for a pared-back schedule of St Patrick's Day events.
The lack of a government and fears over the coronavirus have led to a much shorter trip than usual.
Leo Varadkar cancelled the planned New York leg of the trip to stay at home and deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Business Minister Heather Humphreys has also cancelled her entire programme of events to stay in Ireland and deal with the impact of the virus.
Tonight, the Taoiseach attends the Ireland Funds Dinner in Washington DC, at which Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi will receive a US leadership award.
Senior members of the Irish American business and political communities attend the annual dinner.
The Taoiseach will meet Donald Trump tomorrow at the White House.
However, a planned reception by the Irish ambassador has been called off due to Coronavirus fears.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will begin serious talks aimed at forming a government today.
The Covid-19 outbreak appears to have focused minds at the top of the two parties, and serious work towards a historic 'grand coalition' is set to begin.
However, there remains serious opposition to the idea within both parties, and it's by no means a done deal.
Both parties will also continue their talks with the Green Party, whose support could be necessary to secure a parliamentary majority.
