The HSE has said the current backlog for coronavirus tests is around 11,000 - with CEO Paul Reid insisting that will be 'reduced completely' by the end of the week.
At one point, there was a build-up of around 35,000 tests to be analysed.
However, German labs have been helping authorities in Ireland reduce that number in recent weeks.
Mr Reid said over 72,000 tests have now been completed here, representing a 'doubling of our capacity of completed tests in a very short period of time'.
Pictured is Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE, in Dr Steevens’ Hospital, Dublin, today. Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall IrelandLabs are currently working through thousands of tests daily.
The number of tests to be analysed is reducing as backlogs are cleared and demand for new testing decreases, but work is ongoing to continue to build on capacity in case there's any further surge in numbers.
Testing is currently being carried out at a turnaround of around 24-36 hours in hospitals, although there is a longer wait for results of community testing due to the different logistics involved.
Mr Reid said: "That backlog will continue to be reduced, and will be reduced completely during the course of this week.
"80% [of the backlog] will be done by the German laboratories, and 20% will be done between our hospitals and the National Virus Reference Lab.
"The testing process and the testing returns so far have been very significant for us and of a good quality so far."
