The Taoiseach has said he will discuss Covid-19 vaccinations with US President Joe Biden when the two leaders hold a virtual meeting on St Patrick's Day.
Micheál Martin appeared on the US TV channel CBS today and was asked by Margaret Brennan, the host of Face the Nation, if he will ask Joe Biden for vaccines from the US stockpile.
"Well, I'm not aware of too many countries who are giving their vaccines away. We will obviously discuss Covid and we'll discuss vaccination," the Taoiseach said.
He said it was important to remember that vaccine development involves a joint enterprise, partnerships and integrated global supply chains, adding that different component parts of vaccines are developed in different parts of the world.
"I'm not pre-empting any discussions I will have in detail with the president but obviously the broader Covid vaccination issue will be discussed," he said.
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Mr Martin was also asked about Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland.
"I will be thanking President Biden for his steadfast support of the Good Friday Agreement and of peace in Ireland," the Taoiseach said.
"We want to see a continuation of the president's interest in Ireland and support of the peace process and Good Friday Agreement, and also of upholding the Brexit agreement itself. I have no doubt that the president will continue that interest and will use his good offices and the administration's good offices to bring the right outcomes here."
He said that the support of Mr Biden in recent times, and throughout the years, had been "influential and effective" and that he was under no illusions about the significance of American involvement in the peace process.
The Taoiseach was also asked if he expects travel restrictions between the US and Ireland to be eased in the coming months.
"As the vaccination programme rolls out, I believe opportunities will arise, but it is just far too early to say yet and particularly in the context of the summer we have a significant journey still to go in terms of vaccinations and keeping the virus down," he said.
Asked if he expected Mr Biden to visit Ireland in June, Mr Martin said that when he invited him to come after his election win, the US president responded with the words "try and keep me out!".
"It is a live possibility that he could arrive on our shores and he would be most welcome," the Taoiseach said.
