Simon Coveney believes pubs opening earlier is "a possibility" as he admitted the Government could "fast forward" its lifting of lockdown restrictions.
But the Tanaiste warned that, if there is a dramatic rise in new coronavirus cases, certain phases could be delayed, or restrictions possibly even reimposed.
The news comes after publicans submitted a proposal to Government for bars to open six weeks earlier than planned under strict conditions, something that Mr Coveney says would have to be "rigorously accessed" before being considered.
He told Sean O'Rourke on RTE Radio One: "We will obviously have to measure as we go. So every three weeks, and in between those decision points, the Government will debate the issues, take the advice from NPHET, and make decisions either to stick with the plan or to amend it.
"To either fast forward restrictions, or to delay restrictions, or to reimpose restrictions if that's what's necessary."
The Fine Gael TD also addressed the plan by a number of Irish Vintners Associations proposing big changes to pubs, which could see them open as soon as June 29.
However, the Tanaiste was reluctant to make any commitments on exactly when pubs could reopen.
He added: "What we've said is we would engage with sectors as government, hear what they have to say, a lot of sectors have put a huge amount of work into creating a new normal, safely, while Covid-19 is still a reality in Ireland.
"Looking at how they can implement social distancing, how they can change and adapt their businesses to recognise the dangers of the spread of this virus.
"Were going to interact with all sectors, its happened with the construction industry, I'm sure it will happen with the hospital sector too.
"I know the publicans have been putting a plan together, in the hope that may allow them to open pubs earlier.
"I have to say I think there's a long way to go in that conversation, I don't want to create expectations in this interview."
On whether pubs could potentially be reopened six weeks earlier than planned, Mr Coveney said: "Well, that's a possibility, but I think anything that's proposed to change this plan needs to be rigorously assessed by NPHET and by the Government before we make a decision on that."
