The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, is expected to meet New York's mayor during his trip to the US this week. He is hoping to discuss the city's experience of its smoking ban in bars and restaurants with Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
He will also travel to Washington, where he will meet US Health Secretary Mr Tommy Thompson.
Mr Martin will hold discussions with officials from New York's health commissioner's office today. He is keen to learn how the smoking ban has affected the city's bars and restaurants.
The Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance has said that, based on New York's experience, trade in the Republic will fall by up to 30 per cent when the ban is introduced. It has claimed that 65,000 jobs will be lost in the bar, hotel and catering industries.
The Government has dismissed this as a "wild allegation".
The chief medical officer, Dr Jim Kiely, is accompanying Mr Martin on the trip. They will fly to Washington on Wednesday where they will meet Mr Thompson and Senator Jack Reed of the Senate's Health Committee.
They will also visit the National Cancer Institute to discuss recent clinical trials and investigate extending co-operation between the institute and cancer specialists in North Ireland and the Republic.
"Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are two major issues we will be focusing on during this visit. We will be meeting key people involved in decision-making in these areas," according to a Department of Health spokeswoman.