Eamon Ryan has said he wants gyms, golf courses, and shops to reopen and thinks young people should be allowed back to work in offices.
The Green Party leader said passionate discussions are taking place as the government is under pressure to tell the public and businesses what Covid rules they will have to adhere to as the exit out of Level Five approaches on December 1.
Mr Ryan believes businesses that are “controlled environments” should be allowed to reopen.
He said: “That includes the reopening of retail.
“I would also argue the likes of a gallery, or a gym, or a golf course, or a church, there's so many aspects in our daily life that are really important to us for our mental health or well being, which are safe.
“I think we need to start bringing younger people particularly back into the workplace on a safe, gradual, controlled basis, maybe one day a week.
“Just so you start induction training, meeting your colleagues in a safe controlled environment which workplaces can do.
"We have a critical decision to make in government next week and we will make it next week listening to our health advisors, but also taking into account other factors.”
Mr Ryan said third level colleges have the capability to restart lectures on campus from next term.
He said: “I believe, particularly the first year students in our third level institutions in this last year are the ones who've actually suffered most in terms of not being able to do a Leaving Cert, all the uncertainty around that and around their exam results and now no third level experience.”
On international travel, Mr Ryan told Newstalk that the government will have to use their judgement but will have to wait and see what happens with Covid numbers in the coming weeks ahead of Christmas.
But said the government will make it safe as best as they can.
