Nursing Homes Ireland have stated that there are currently 1,200 nursing home beds unoccupied across the country.

Following a report, they found that within the 277 nursing homes that responded to the survey out of 442, 1,261 beds are unoccupied.

Nursing Homes Ireland stated that they are currently engaging with the HSE on the issue.

The news comes as the INMO stated that there are 584 people on trolleys across the country in emergency departments and wards.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “It is important to recognise the current crisis is complex and multifaceted. As a society we require an appropriate framework to ensure we are prepared to meet the health and social care requirements of our rapidly ageing population. The under-resourcing of the Fair Deal scheme in 2014 has led to a crisis in older person care. It has led to the distressing situation of an extraordinary number of older persons remaining in hospital beds unnecessarily and inordinate waiting times for older people to access nursing home care.

"It is acknowledged that the large numbers of delayed discharges in acute hospitals are a significant contributory factor leading to current crisis. Ministers Varadkar and Lynch themselves have acknowledged serious issues arising because of the impact of under-resourcing of Fair Deal. The 800 older persons unnecessarily in acute hospitals at present highlight the critical role nursing home care plays in supporting acute services. It is incumbent upon the Government to plan appropriately to avert present crisis and the significant challenges that will present as our population ages rapidly."

He spoke to Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy about the issue today:

Earlier, HSE General Director Tony O'Brien told Newstalk Breakfast: "Many of the issues that were identified there have been systematically addressed. What we're now seeing is the particular increase in the number of people who need to leave hospital and go into long term or intermediate care."