Ireland's PCR testing system has come "under pressure in the past 48 hours" but will continue to operate throughout the Christmas period, Damien McCallion, HSE Vaccination Lead has said.
Mr McCallion told RTÉ's Morning Ireland people seeking a test would be able to avail of one on Christmas Day and Stephen's Day "albeit there will be a slightly reduced service".
Mr McCallion added: "I know it's difficult for people waiting for results but the advice remains the same, if you have symptoms you should isolate." He said even if there appeared to be no PCR slots available on the website at the moment, people should keep monitoring the website as "there will be slots available over the day as we look at the attendance rates and referral rates