HSE Boss Facing Calls To Outline Measures He's Taking To Address Issues He Has Highlighted About Care For Older People

'Very significant changes' are needed in how Ireland cares for vulnerable people, according to the CEO of the HSE.

The Department of Health and the HSE have been before the Oireachtas Committee on COVID-19, where they are discussing the response to outbreaks in nursing homes.

Secretary General of the Department of Health, Jim Breslin, told the Committee that 18 percent of the 30 thousand nursing home residents were infected with COVID-19.

In his opening statement to the Committee, HSE CEO Paul Reid said the requirements for change in how the state cares for older people are 'clear'.

Paul Reid added that a funding model for long-term care and alternatives to long-term care were needed, as well as looking at the governance of private nursing homes.