The Taoiseach has tested positive for Covid just hours before he was due to meet US president Joe Biden in Washington DC.
It’s understood Mr Martin had tested negative on an antigen test but went for a PCR test after he was alerted that a member of his delegation had received a positive result.
He was attending an annual gala dinner in Washington when the results of the test came through. He left the event early, moments before he was due to accept an award from Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
A government spokesperson said they’re exploring alternatives to the in-person events planned for St. Patrick’s Day.
The meeting with President Biden in the White House is now expected to take place virtually.