The Taoiseach will not be travelling to Washington this Saint Patrick's Day.

The traditional meeting with the US President has been cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Micheál Martin is now expected to hold a virtual meeting with President Joe Biden on the day.

On The Hard Shoulder this evening, the Minister for Further Education Simon Harris said the virtual meeting highlights the strength of the connection between the two countries.

“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.”