Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty has defended the Government's approach to coronavirus testing here - saying officials have "moved mountains to get where we are".
It comes after concerns were raised over a backlog in the number of people who are waiting for a test.
The Taoiseach has previously said a shortage of reagents for testing was the main issue causing delays.
Meanwhile, health officials have said their aim is still to ensure there is capacity for 15,000 tests a day within the next three or four weeks.
Minister Doherty told The Hard Shoulder every effort is being made to increase the numbers being tested.
She said: "We did have a problem getting testing kits for a while - but now there are plenty of testing kits in the country.
"Yes, there's a challenge getting reagent, but it's not unique to Ireland or the HSE - it's a global issue."
She said health officials and HSE management have now set up 50 community testing centres across the country, and resources have been put in place to test people in their own homes wherever possible.
Minister Doherty stressed it's "not pleasant" for people to be waiting for a test result - saying her own family members have been waiting two weeks for a test.
However, she said: "I don't for a second doubt that people are pedaling at 400 mph to ensure we establish a [testing regime].
"I'm not trying to say everything is perfect... you know and I now it's not. But I know they've moved mountains to get where we are."
Earlier this week, Irish scientists at a number of institutions said they had teamed up and successfully formulated a reagent to 'ease the burden' on labs testing for COVID-19 here.
