The nursing home sector faces a significant threat and more homes will close without additional funding, according to the Chief Executive of Nursing Homes Ireland.
Tadhg Daly said residents in private homes should receive funding that is on par with residents in the public system.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Daly said recently published HSE figures confirm a "considerable gulf" in resident funding, with residents in HSE homes receiving an average of €744 per week - substantially more than residents in private nursing homes.
He pointed out that all nursing homes are subject to the same standards and private homes need to be adequately resourced.
The current pricing system under the Fair Deal scheme is not fit for purpose, he said, and funding under the scheme must be increased to ensure sustainability in the sector and to secure better pay for staff in the private sector, who are currently paid less than their colleagues in the public sector.
Nursing Homes Ireland said it wants to work with the Government to address the issue.
Mr Daly said there is a lack of urgency around the matter and there will be further challenges down the line if the Government does not act now.
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