Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed he has accepted a formal invitation to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on St Patrick's Day.
In a speech to the Cork Chamber annual dinner last night, the Taoiseach said the meeting will be "an opportunity to celebrate the warm and historic friendship between the US and Ireland".
While the St Patrick's week White House visit is now a firm annual tradition, the deteriorating relations between the EU and Mr Trump's government, in addition to Mr Trump's foreign and domestic policies have led to growing calls for Ireland not to attend this year's events.
However, despite the criticism, last week the Government announced plans for eight cabinet ministers to travel to the US this year, including Mr Martin.
Confirming he has received and accepted Mr Trump's White House invitation at yesterday evening's event, the Taoiseach said: "Today, I have received a formal invitation from president Donald Trump to visit the White House on St Patrick's Day.
"In his letter he [Mr Trump] expresses that this visit would be an opportunity to celebrate the warm and historic friendship between the US and Ireland.
"The president also pays tribute to the Irish American community, who have made such an enormous contribution to the United States. He believes this is an opportunity to celebrate the special relationship between our two countries.
"Ireland’s relationship with the United States is as old as their republic and it was a vital one in the foundation of ours. It is a relationship which has been strengthened through a shared commitment to engagement and understanding."
Read more: Full list of St Patrick's Day ministerial visits revealed
The Taoiseach also referred to the "enormous value to both of our countries" in terms of the "economic contacts" between both nations, an issue which has repeatedly been raised on both sides of the debate in recent weeks due to the need to protect jobs in Ireland and ongoing concerns over Mr Trump's tariffs threats policies.
Other areas of debate have included the Greenland crisis, US actions in Venezuela and domestic issues in the US including controversies involving ICE which have led to the deaths of US citizens.
However, in his speech this evening, the Taoiseach said he was looking forward to "celebrating the 250th anniversary of a democratic ideal which remains an inspiration", adding: "As we negotiate these challenging times, my focus in relations with all countries and especially in our critical relationships, is not on the short-term. It is on the long-term.
"On finding points of shared interest rather than opportunities for division."
