The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, will witness the operation of New York's ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants this week, just months before an identical ban is enforced here.
Although observing the ban is not the only purpose of the minister's trip, he is expected to visit a number of hotels and bars in New York to see how the rule is being implemented.
On Monday he will sign the United Nations framework convention on tobacco control at the UN headquarters.
He is also set to meet with officials from the New York City health department to discuss the ban.
Later in the week he will move on to Washington, where he will meet his US counterpart, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson.
Mr Martin has fought off severe criticism in recent weeks over the ban due to come into effect from January 1st, 2004.
Publicans and representatives of the catering sector have campaigned vigorously against the move.
And earlier this month the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, broke ranks with fellow ministers by admitting he was not in favour of an immediate ban.
But Mr Martin has stood firmly by the new policy and rejected claims that it will impact badly on the economy.
The Taoiseach also dismissed requests for a compromise when he returned from his summer break.
PA