The government has said it is working to fix issues surrounding the Covid Digital Cert call centre following a surge in people trying to contact the service.
Monday marked the return of international travel within the EU as the government issued Digital Certs to people who were vaccinated and had recovered from Covid-19 across the country.
However, there were widespread reports of frustrated callers who were left waiting hours to get through to the helpline which was flooded with calls.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, said the government is working to resolve issues with the helpline after reports people were waiting up to two hours on the phone line trying to make contact with the call centre.
Speaking in Galway, she said: “There have been issues with the helpline but I can assure you that the Government is working very hard in order to get that system back up and running as soon as possible.
“This was the number one ask of the aviation sector that we can reopen travel as safely as possible, adhering to public health guidance so I would hope that helpline would be back up and running as soon as possible.”
In a statement to the Irish Mirror, the Department of Health added: "The Digital Covid Certificate Service Centre is currently handling a very high volume of calls and delays may be experienced by members of the public trying to contact the centre.
"We are currently working to increase the capacity of the service centre.
"The helpline number is 1800 851 504 and is for queries relating to your vaccination certificate and/or requesting your recovery certificate."
It comes as the Irish Mirror revealed that just 30 staff are manning the country’s busy Covid call centre.
An official said 30 staff have been recruited, rising to 90 “in the coming months”.
The call centre was already handling close to 10,000 calls a day last week when it was open for emergencies only.
Get the latest breaking coronavirus news and headlines straight to your inbox by signing up to our free newsletter
