Taoiseach Micheál Martin may get the opportunity to visit the Oval Office later in the year after a positive Covid test forced him to cancel his St Patrick’s Day event.
Mr Martin was continuing some duties on Friday but had no official engagements planned as he was due to fly home from Washington to Dublin.
He had a 30 minute phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau but was understood to have been taking it easy on Friday.
A spokesman for the Taoiseach said on Friday: “The Taoiseach is feeling well and continuing with his work in Washington.”
Mr Martin also thanked people for their well wishes and reiterated that he was disappointed about what unfolded.
He tweeted: “Obviously a little disappointed not to represent the Irish people in person at The White House.
“Thank you for all the well wishes.
“I am feeling well and self isolating.”
Sources have said Mr Martin will remain in Washington and follow public health advice and isolate for five days.
America’s public health guidance states a person should not travel internationally until a full 10 days after they received a positive Covid-19 test.
But it’s understood officials are looking at the possibility of whether Mr Martin could leave the country sooner.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said he is sure Mr Martin is "somewhat frustrated" about the situation after he was forced to cancel his in-person meeting with President Biden.
"My understanding is that the protocol in the US is that if you test positive, you don't travel internationally for ten days and my understanding is that the Taoiseach's intention is to respect that and so that in all likelihood means he won't be home until 26 March," he told RTÉ.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Martin said he would chair a Cabinet meeting from Washington on Tuesday and he would take it “day by day.”
Sources also said “nothing is confirmed” but it’s understood discussions are taking place on whether Mr Martin could visit the White House and Oval Office either before he flies home, or could return for a visit later in the year.
Mr Martin said he would also like President Biden to visit Ireland while he is Taoiseach before the rotation in December when Tanáiste Leo Varadkar will become Taoiseach.
And US Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi also invited Mr Martin to California during a virtual meeting between the two.
The Taoiseach had been staying in Blair House, the President’s guest house but it’s understood he will now move to the Irish Ambassador’s residence where he will continue his isolation period.
It’s understood members of the Taoiseach’s delegation will fly home in the coming days but the Taoiseach and another member of his delegation who also tested positive will remain in Washington.
Meanwhile, three Government Ministers also had to cancel their St Patrick’s Day travel plans after testing positive for Covid-19.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris, and Government Chief Whip Jack Chambers all had to abandon their plans.
Minister McConalogue was due to travel to Canada, Minister Harris to France and Government chief whip Jack Chambers also had to cancel his trip to Los Angeles.
