The Taoiseach says the government is working to increase PCR testing capacity.
Micheál Martin was speaking in Cork amid reports that people are finding it difficult to secure a Covid test via the HSE website.
As of 9am this morning there were zero appointments available today at the five PCR testing facilities in Cork.
Up to last Friday the HSE said it was carrying out around 25,000 tests every day and that 82% of people who requested an appointment got one in less than 24 hours.
Speaking to RedFM News, Taoiseach Micheál Martin says Ireland has built up one of the strongest testing systems in Europe and that the pressure on the system is a result of a spike in cases.
"We will continue to work to increase PCR testing.
"It has grown enormously. I can recall similar comments this time last year, and people saying 'you must get to 100,000 capacity'.
"We're at 200,000 now in PCR testing, and that's being supplemented by antigen testing.
"There has been an expansion of antigen testing in close contacts, in terms of serial testing in meat plants and nursing homes, in terms of higher education."
