Special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian contacts with US President Donald Trump's campaign has gained access to thousands of emails sent and received by Trump officials before the start of his administration, according to people familiar with Mr Trump's transition organisation.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan will meet with senior International Monetary Fund and World Bank officials in California today to convince them to encourage US companies to continue investing in Ireland.

Presidential candidate Donald Trump drew criticism after declining to rebuke a questioner at a town hall event who insulted Muslims and wrongly said President Barack Obama is a member of the faith.