Martin to witness New York smoking ban

Micheál 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 in the republic.

The Health Minister is embarking on a week-long trip to the United States, where he will experience first hand the effects of the blanket ban on lighting up in workplaces.

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 in Ireland from January 1, 2004.

Publicans and representatives of the catering sector have campaigned vigorously against the move.

And earlier this month Environment Minister Martin 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.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also dismissed requests for a compromise when he returned from his summer break.