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The Taoiseach is in Washington for the traditional St. Patrick's Day programme of political engagements, including meeting with President Obama in the White House and engagements with Vice President Joe Biden, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan, and a number of other US political leaders.

The Taoiseach will use these opportunities to underline the strength of Irish-US relations, to promote further trade and investment between the two countries, and to continue to advocate for immigration reform in the US.

The Taoiseach's programme began this morning with a breakfast meeting with Vice President Biden.

The Taoiseach then travelled to the White House to meet with President Obama for talks focused on bilateral and international issues.

Following this, the Taoiseach will attend the traditional Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill, hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and also attended by President Obama and other political leaders.  While on Capitol Hill, he will also have meetings with a number of senior political figures.

The Taoiseach will then return to the White House for the traditional Shamrock ceremony and reception.  His programme will conclude with an address to political and business figures and members of the Irish-American community at an Irish Embassy reception on Tuesday evening.