Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil details of his planned visit to the US over the St Patrick's Day period.
Mr Kenny will be in the US for a week from 15 March.
He will meet US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in Washington.
He confirmed that he will then travel to New York, where he will meet Mayor Michael Bloomberg and visit areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Mr Kenny will also travel to the west coast to visit US companies and indigenous Irish companies based in Silicon Valley.
The Taoiseach said the Government would try to ensure Ireland's relations with the US remain strong.
