Micheál Martin warns of crisis if care homes not upgraded

A crisis in State-run care homes is looming due to lack of funding for upgrades, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has warned.

A failure of government investment has led to alarm that 21 of the biggest such residences may not pass stringent new HIQA standards, set to come into force in July, Mr Martin told the Dáil.

The Fianna Fáil leader said ministers had not set aside money in the health estimates for this year in order to bring the care homes up to standard.