''I'd like publicans to be given the chance.''
The Tánaiste says he wants to see pubs open.
Leo Varadkar says he believes publicans will be able to manage their businesses in a way that won't put public health at risk.
The re-opening date for pubs not serving food has been delayed a number of times - and are due to remain shut until at least September 13th.
Speaking to Live 95, Mr Varadkar says he has confidence that publicans can make it work.
''The fact that wet pubs are open in every country in Europe now, albeit with restrictions'', he said.
''We've also seen how restaurateurs and gastro pubs have a really good job, pubs searching food have been open for months now.
''There are very few examples of clusters of infection in restaurants and gastro pubs so I think they've shown that they can actually follow the rules and regulations - albeit with a few notable exceptions.
''And I'd like publicans to be given the chance to show that they can do it as well''.
