Nursing Homes Ireland Calls for Urgent Budget Measures to Sustain Nursing Home Care
Tuesday August 19, 2025Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) has published its Pre-Budget Submission 2026, outlining six urgent actions for Government to address the growing crisis in long-term residential care and to protect access to high-quality nursing home care across the country.
With over 30,000 older people living in long-stay care, the sector is facing significant pressures due to demographic growth, inflation, workforce shortages, and a funding model that no longer reflects the real cost of care. NHI’s submission sets out a balanced and realistic package of measures that can deliver stability in the short term while laying the groundwork for long-term reform.
Six Key Asks in Budget 2026
- Resource the Development of a National Nursing Home Care Policy
- Publish the NTPF Pricing Review and Commit to Transparent, Sustainable Funding
- Increase NHSS Resourcing to Reflect Real Costs and Protect Resident Care
- Invest in Staffing, Skills, and Sustainability
- Bridge Short-Term Supports with Long-Term Reform
- Establish a Fund for Training and Skills
The submission calls for an €85 million uplift in Fair Deal funding, the establishment of a national workforce plan, and continued capital and sectoral supports to protect residents and stabilise providers at risk. It also renews the call for Government to publish the long-awaited NTPF Pricing Review and to advance work on a dedicated national policy for nursing home care.
NHI’s submission has been sent to relevant Ministers, Department officials, and Oireachtas Members in advance of Budget 2026 negotiations.
Download the Submission
The full Pre-Budget Submission 2026 can be accessed here:
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