The Taoiseach says imposing restrictions on TDs and senators from double-jobbing would 'need consideration'.
Debate on the issue has reignited this week amid scrutiny of former TD Dara Murphy's Dáil attendance while he was also in a second role for the European People's Party in Brussels.
Meanwhile, a survey by the Irish Independent has found at least one third of deputies have a second job or income.
At least 54 TDs - mostly in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, but also across other parties and independents - are landlords, barristers, farmers, pharmacists or shop owners.
Less than half of TDs contacted responded to questions, while the vast majority said they had no other jobs or income.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Trim, Co Meath, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he is not fully against TDs having second jobs.
He observed: "I found it too hard... other people maybe seem to manage.
"There aren't many walks of life in which we forbid people from having a second job, if they can find the time to do it - evenings, weekends or whatever.
"Certainly we don't allow ministers and ministers of state - no members of the Government I lead - [to] have other employment.
"Whether we could extend that to TDs and senators... I think that needs consideration."
He did point to the difference in "having a second job and having a second income" - saying he doesn't believe people who owned a farm or business before entering politics should have to sell it.
Mr Varadkar added: "To be very frank I think it is very difficult to hold down and do a job while still being a TD or a senator.
"I confess to having tried it myself: when I was first elected to the Dáil I was finishing off my GP training... I tried to do the two for a while and it wasn't sustainable."
