A Leitrim TD is calling on Government to take urgent action to halt the closure of some nursing homes.
Deputy Martin Kenny says there's a deeply worrying trend of care facilities closing and it's causing enormous concern for older people and their families.
The Sinn Fein representative is highlighting that in the last three years, there have been 31 private and voluntary nursing home closures resulting in the loss of 915 beds nationally.
Three of these closures were nursing homes in County Roscommon with the loss of 67 beds.
Speaking to Let's Talk Deputy Kenny says without government intervention, he believes the situation will worsen particularly due to funding schemes.
''We have a serious problem across the country with regards to nursing home capacity. We met some nursing home owners and mangers last week when they protested outside the Dail, they are concerned about the fair deal scheme, of course it's not very fair when it's not working and the rates of pay they're getting is not able to match the expenses and costs they have to endure. It's vital we have the step down beds and spaces for older people who need long term care but also people after operations and surgeries where they need to recuperate.''
