A local TD has called on the government to provide an immediate €190 million funding in the next budget to ensure the short term stability of nursing homes.
Sligo Leitrim TD Marian Harkin was speaking in the Dail as 33% of nursing homes across Ireland report that they operated at a loss in 2022.
Deputy Harkin stated that 31 private and voluntary nursing homes have closed over the last three years with 19 of these closures happening over the last 12 months.
The figures include several services in the Shannonside Northen Sound Region.
Responding to the call, Minister Simon Coveney stated that he will bring the issue to the attention of the line minister and pointed out that increases of 6% to 7% had been given to nursing homes in the last year.
Deputy Harkin believes private and voluntary nursing homes must get the same level of support as state owned homes:
