Housing refugees in nursing homes will not leave our elderly in the lurch

Varadkar says care will not suffer as facilities switch use

- FERGHAL BLANEY 

LEO Varadkar rejected fears elderly people could be left in the lurch as more and more nursing homes convert to refugee accommodation centres. 

The Taoiseach acknowledged facilities are closing for this purpose but added bed numbers could be kept steady as more will open despite owners shifting their business model towards providing refugee shelter.

Mr Varadkar was speaking after Mary Butler, junior health minister with special responsibility for the elderly, confirmed she had received a report on the issue.

She also said the Government has given the green light to the business transfers, lifting a restriction that had been in place.