Local Minister Heather Humphreys has called for a reduction in off-licence opening hours, as well as a limit on alcohol purchases.
The Social Protection Minister says something must be done to prevent people from buying "slabs of beer" in off-licenses, which are then taken back to house parties that go on until the early hours.
She says house parties are a "serious concern" to gardaí and public health officials.
Minister Humphreys says she would like to see off-licenses close at "six or seven at night" and a limit on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased.
She says she is reflecting what a lot of people are saying, and told the Joe Finnegan Show that the "virus loves to party":