Sinn Féin has tabled a motion calling on the government to develop a plan to ensure the sustainability of nursing homes across the state.
34 nursing homes have closed down in Ireland since the beginning of the year with many more set to follow.
Waterford TD David Cullinane is Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Health. He says something must be done to curb the ongoing crisis.
"Nursing homes are closing at an alarming rate in this state. 34 have closed in recent times. We are hearing that many more will close over the next number of months.
"The issue here is about the viability and sustainability of funding. We have a government asleep at the wheel.
"Over the last number of weeks and months, I've heard from the families of many residents in nursing homes who are really worried about what's going to happen and hearing that their nursing home will close and they don't know where to go."
A video from Aontú shows an elderly man leaving a nursing home he resided in due to its closure which has been shared on social media in recent days.
⚠️ Harrowing Footage ⚠️
Lack of government funding for nursing homes is leading to the eviction of residents across the country.
Our hearts break for these residents and staff.
Aontú raised the issue in the Dáil last week and will do so again this evening. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LcaQrcNlf5
— Aontú (@AontuIE) June 27, 2023
Deputy Cullinane continues," This is a real crisis, and we at Sinn Féin are moving a motion with real urgency to get the government to act, because failure to act is causing real concern for the residents and also for those families.
"We want to government to invest in nursing homes and the National Treatment Purchase Fund. We also want to see more public capacity. Our motion sets out very real solutions that will solve this crisis. If this government does not act, more nursing homes will close. Urgent action is needed."
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