Nursing Homes Ireland representatives will meet with the Health Minister this afternoon to discuss issues surrounding COVID-19.
149 clusters of coronavirus have been recorded in nursing homes, over a third of the total amount.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan last night confirmed 167 coronavirus-related deaths so far - accounting for around 45% of people who have died here after being diagnosed with the virus - came from "nursing home environments".
NHI, which represents more than 300 private nursing homes in Ireland, believes there was a lack of priority placed on nursing homes in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak
NHI CEO Tadhg Daly this morning said issues around staffing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are major problems in nursing homes.
He said: "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."
Mr Daly suggested the supply of PPE had been "patchy to say the least to date" but homes have been assured by the HSE more is on the way.
He said it's vital that those commitments are delivered on "sooner rather than later".
Minister Harris last night said authorities are doing 'everything they can' to support nursing homes - but insisted supports will be 'ramped up further' to support homes and other residential facilities.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is also expected to discuss the issue at its meeting today.
