Today, The Alliance – Supporting Nursing Homes met with Minister for Older Persons, Kieran O’Donnell TD for a pre-budget discussion.
Our focus was on practical measures to safeguard the future of family-run and independently owned nursing homes – businesses that are rooted in local communities but often lack the economies of scale of larger providers.
We advocated for:
Sustainable funding under the Nursing Home Support Scheme
In 2023 & 2024, the NTPF delivered larger uplifts in nursing home rates. 2025 has seen a slowdown. With staffing, pensions, energy & compliance costs rising in 2026, stronger, fairer uplifts are urgently needed.
Reform of commercial rates
Rates have risen by more than 50% in recent years, crippling community-based nursing homes. A resident’s room is their home, not a commercial unit. This unfair system penalises providers & residents alike. Change is long overdue.
A cost-of-care model that reflects reality
Providers are working in a funding system that doesn’t match real costs. It’s time to move from theory to practice and make amendments to the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2025.
Continued targeted supports for investment
Operators are modernising care homes through digital transformation, new equipment, and essential capital works. To sustain this progress, existing structured financial support schemes must be continued and strengthened, ensuring smaller nursing home businesses can invest with confidence.