The Department of Health and Children through the Health Service Executive has introduced the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.  This Scheme should make long-term residential care services for older people:

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme has replaced the current system of public nursing home charges and the private nursing home subvention scheme for new entrants to long-term residential care.  Existing residents in long-term residential care prior to the "act" coming into force may remain under the old arrangements or choose to apply to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.