Taoiseach Enda Kenny is travelling to the United States today for a series of engagements in New York.
Mr Kenny's programme includes meetings with business leaders on Wall Street and with Irish companies who are doing business in the US.
The Taoiseach's visit was planned before news of the killing of Osama bin Laden by US special forces in Pakistan.
Commenting before his departure, Mr Kenny said while he intended to bring a positive message about Ireland to New York, he was also very mindful that this is a very poignant moment to visit.
He said it was a very emotional time for her citizens as the memories of 11 September 2001 are re-awakened.
'During my visit I will be reflecting on those terrible losses on 9/11, including those Irish people and members of the Irish American community who were lost on that day,' he said.
