Plans by the Taoiseach to visit US President Joe Biden at the White House divide Cork TD's
Micheál Martin has come under some criticism for the plan
The Echo reports Sinn Fein's Thomas Gould describing the trip as "inappropriate" while Solidarity's Mick Barry says it would be a mistake for the Taoiseach to travel.
However Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is backing the trip once it's made in a safe way while Labour's Sean Sherlock says it's an opportunity to reset the relationship with the US.
A Government spokesperson says no decision has been made on the trip as yet with arrangements for the traditional St Patrick's Day celebrations not finalised at this stage.
Meanwhile, the Green party leader believes a trip to Washington by the Taoiseach for St Patrick's Day should not be ruled out.
Minister Eamon Ryan says the decision has yet to be made on the potential trip:
"You'd have to make that call and hasn't made it yet. I don't think we should rule it out. I think there are certain instances where we do need to make contacts, meet people in person for the benefit of the country. And in those circumstances I think it may be appropriate."
More from Cork
-
Lord Mayor Of City Felt Privileged To Represent Cork During Such A Difficult Time As He Faces Into Last Month In Office
Councillor Joe Kavanagh will be handing over the mayoral chains outside of City Hall for the first time ever on June 18th due to the pandemic
-
Expert calls for people to reduce meat intake
Eating too much meat can increase the risk of serious illnesses by as much as 30%.
-
International Care Day Is Being Celebrated At The Bessborough Centre In Blackrock Today
The event highlights the positive impact of the experience of young people in care
-
UPDATE: Teenage Girl Killed And Three Teenage Boys Injured In Knocknaheeny Crash
It's understood the teenage driver of the car fled the scene on foot
-
Angry Farmers To Stage Protest Outside Aldi in Mitchelstown Later
They're appealing to retailers to come to the talks table
-
UPDATE: Toddler Who Was Injured At Her Home On The Boreenmanna Road Has Died
The two year-old was rushed to hospital with traumatic head injuries