Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today that vacancies on the board of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have "no impact" on the testing and inspection regime.
It emerged today that just three of 10 board positions have been filled since November as the FSAI had to deal with the horse meat in burgers crisis.
Deputy Kenny said that the positions will be filled very soon.
"The process of filling the positions on the board is practically completed by the Minister," said the Taoiseach, responding to a question from Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.
"I'd also make the point to you, Deputy Martin, it has no impact whatsoever on the day-to-day working of the FSAI which conducts this business.
"The board doesn't have an impact on the day-to-day working of the FSAI."