There was a lack of priority placed on nursing homes in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to representatives of the sector.
Nursing Homes Ireland will meet with the Health Minister today to discuss the amount of clusters found in the homes.
149 outbreaks of coronavirus can be found in nursing homes - over a third of the total amount.
NHI CEO Tadhg Daly believes issues around staffing and PPE are major problems in the homes.
"Clearly given the situation over the last number of weeks as it has unfolded, we would say there has been a lack of prioritisation of nursing homes by Government.
"This is now being addressed and has to continue to be addressed to ensure the safety, well being and high quality care for 25,000 older people."
