Nursing homes have three years to reach HIQA standards

The Government says the health watchdog HIQA has agreed to give public nursing homes three years to reach the required standards.

It emerged last week that 80 homes are facing closure this summer if they aren't improved.

The availability of nursing home beds is seen as key to easing the admissions crisis in hospitals - and reducing the number of people waiting on trolleys in Emergency Departments.

But Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch says the health watchdog has agreed to work with nursing homes and extend their deadlines for compliance.