The Taoiseach will not be travelling to Washington for St Patrick's Day, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Officials are now looking to organise a virtual meeting between Micheál Martin and US president Joe Biden that day.
A government spokesman says a programme of online events are expected to replace the traditional visit to the US.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris says it's the correct decision.
"The fact there will still be a virtual gathering is a sign of the the importance President Biden has attached to the Irish-American relationship."
Minister Harris said he wasn't sure if there has been a US President in recent times who cares about the transatlantic relationship as much as President Biden.
"I've no doubt that our Taoiseach will visit Washington in due course," he said.
