Irish farm workers are anxiously waiting to see if they can gain visas to work in the US this year.

While Taoiseach Michael Martin did not travel to Washington for St Patrick’s Day, he had a virtual meeting with US president Joe Biden, who stresses his Irish ancestry.

Workers hoped that their case would be raised as the planting season commences.

COVID-19 restrictions currently mean Irish workers are not being granted visas unless they qualify for exempted worker status. Farm workers do not currently qualify.

Anomalies in the system are being highlighted.

Since 2 March, agricultural workers from Schengen area countries (including most of the EU) are eligible for exemption.

In addition, South African farm workers have had exemption status for months. Hundreds of Irish citizens travel to the US to work on farms and for contractors every year.