The new Junior Health Minister says the smoking ban should be relaxed.
Finian McGrath say indoor smoking areas in pubs should be introduced.
The Independent minister, who is a smoker, has voiced similar views in the past.
But this is the first time since he's been appointed to the cabinet that he's repeated the call.
In an interview with the Sunday Business Post, Minister McGrath says indoor smoking areas are in operation in other European countries like Portugal.
Finian McGrath has been at the centre of controversy since his appointment.
Yesterday, he announced he would be paying his water charges, after coming under pressure over his opposition to Irish Water.
The newly-appointed junior minister was criticised for saying he would ask for the Attorney General's advice before deciding whether to pay.
