Criticism at lack of urgency on reforming Hiqa powers, despite nursing home deaths

Oaklands Nursing Home in Listowel, Co Kerry, where eight patients died from Covid-19 last November, had repeatedly failed to pass Hiqa’s checks and inspections on some of the most basic standards. Picture: Dan Linehan

Hiqa needs to be given more powers over nursing homes “immediately”, the Social Democrats have said.

And they have also condemned as "shocking" the fact proposed legislative reform that would give the health watchdog more “teeth” is so far down the Government's legislative priorities for this year.