Fianna Fáil TDs have criticised the Minister for Justice in person for portraying them as the mouthpieces of publicans.
During a meeting of the parliamentary party last night, Mr McDowell also heard Fianna Fáil backbencher concerns about the "explosion" in off-licences and the availability of alcohol generally.
There was no consensus about how the problem would be dealt with, but the Minister said he was open to ideas and invited TDs to put them in more concrete form.
Mr McDowell was resuming the discussions begun last week when he attended the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party's weekly gathering in the wake of some strong criticism over his proposed reform of the licensing laws.
The latest meeting was described by a Government source as "very agreeable and much less tense" than the first, although a number of speakers, objected that the party's portrayal as spokesmen for the vintners lobby was "wrong".
Mr McDowell did not apologise for his public comments but agreed there was a need for better communication between the governing parties.
To this end, the Tánaiste is to meet Fianna Fáil's health committee within the next two weeks to discuss reforms in her area.
Mr McDowell was also questioned about Asbos and invited the party to discuss the issue at committee level and come back to him with proposals.
