Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he has not yet received an invitation to the White House for St Patrick's Day, but he has no reason to believe that the invitation will not be forthcoming.
He said the relationship between Ireland and the US is a longstanding and strong one, and he would accept an invitation.
There have been calls from members of the Opposition for the Government to boycott the annual St Patrick's Day visit to the White House.
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, Mr Martin said: "The relationship with the United States is not about any one president, it's been a longstanding one. It's older than this State itself. It's fraternal.
"The economic relationship is a powerful relationship, which we cannot ignore. And then there's cultural and strong family connections as well."
Mr Martin said he would have no issue with discussing and articulating Ireland's support for a two-state solution in Palestine and Israel.
Ireland has a strong record in supporting the Palestinian right to a homeland, he added.
The Taoiseach said the Government is progressing the Occupied Territories Bill but that it needed "root and branch" reform and amendment.
These amendments are coming forward, Mr Martin said, and it should be fully debated in the house when the bill comes forward.
The Taoiseach said any tariffs imposed by Mr Trump would harm Ireland because it is a small open economy that is heavily dependent on exports.
"We've been strongly supportive of free trade and it is something I strongly believe in," he said.
"I will say this to Mr Trump if I meet him," he added.
Read more:
Taoiseach expects White House invitation from Trump
