Hundreds of people are seeking private COVID-19 tests every day, according to one provider.
Dr Graham Fry of the Tropical Medical Bureau says they're run off their feet with people seeking PCR (swab) tests for a variety of reasons.
While many are getting tested after arriving in Ireland or departing from abroad, others are simply doing so for 'peace of mind' ahead of the Christmas period.
People with symptoms or close contacts of confirmed cases are referred for a free test.
However, private testing is also available from a number of providers - including for those arriving in Ireland from abroad.
The Tropical Medical Bureau is dealing with around 300 tests each day.
Dr Fry told Newstalk Breakfast: "[Some] have come in to Ireland from overseas... they've been quarantining for five or six days, and want to know whether it's safe to go see the parents or grandparents.
"There are others who are actually going overseas somewhere, and they need a travel certificate to get on the airplane in the first place.
"The peace of mind [tests] are people who just have a bit of a sniffle or cough, and just want to follow through... some of those have turned up positive, unfortunately."
Negative tests
Dr Fry said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn is 'absolutely correct' when he says a private negative test does not give people impunity to move around freely.
He explained: "We tell everyone the same thing, but I don't know if they listen: you can do this, it gives you an indication of where you are now at this point in time, but it doesn't answer the whole issue.
"People have to take care... and do all the usual things we've been told to do over the past nine months.
"If there isn't any infection there, you still might pick it up - so you need to be careful."
He said private testers 'much prefer' to not test people until around five days after they've arrived in Ireland, as you're more likely to detect any infection then.
