Taoiseach Enda Kenny is going back to the United States to hold talks with business, tourism and political leaders.

The three-day investment drive to New York and Boston will continue to promote the Government's message that Ireland is open for business.

Mr Kenny said the visit - just a week after he lobbied 100 executives and investors in New York to put Ireland top of their business list - would benefit the continuing high level engagement with contacts in the US.

"We have to use every opportunity to reach out across the globe to give the message that Ireland is open for business and investment," he said.

"We need to keep knocking on doors, through our links with agencies including the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

"It is important that Ireland tells the world about the strenuous efforts being made here to deliver economic recovery."

The Taoiseach's trip will include visiting an IDA programme in New Jersey, meeting Mayor Bloomberg at City Hall and seeing a Tourism Ireland launch.

In Boston Mr Kenny will give a lecture at Harvard Kennedy School, attend a dinner with business leaders and meet public representatives.

Meanwhile details of the Taoiseach's annual St Patrick's Day visit to America have been revealed.

Mr Kenny will spend six days in the US for the celebrations, flying to Chicago on Friday, March 16. He will remain in the city on St Patrick's Day - instead of going to the White House - and will then travel to South Bend Indiana for a visit to Notre Dame University.