A nationwide public consultation on new National Standards for nursing homes and residential care for older people has begun.
The Health Information and Quality Authority said the new standards are being established after five years of inspections around the country.
HIQA wants feedback from residents and their families, interested groups, and those working in the industry on the draft standards.
Minister of State for Primary and Social Care, Kathleen Lynch welcomed today's announcement.
Minister Lynch urged residents and their families to contribute their insights on nursing homes and residential services to the HIQA consultation.