A range of new measures have been announced to help nursing homes deal with the coronavirus - including extra funding, prioritised coronavirus testing for staff and access to personal protective equipment.
Each nursing home will now be identifying a COVID-19 lead, and coronavirus testing will be prioritised for staff.
The HSE will also provide access to PPE, expert advice and training.
Movement of staff across different nursing homes will also be limited wherever possible in a bid to curb the spread of infections.
Staff screening will be carried out in nursing homes twice a day.
In terms of the temporary payments, homes will receive €800 per resident per month for the first 40 residents, €400 per resident per month for the next 40 residents and €200 for any further residents.
The temporary scheme for private and voluntary nursing homes is envisaged to last for three months, and will begin in the coming days.
However, any homes that have "incurred significant further costs" due to the crisis will also be able to submit a case for extra funding, up to a maximum of €75,000.
There are now 40 clusters of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes across the country - with a cluster meaning three or more cases in a 72 hour period.
Health Minister Simon Harris said: “We must also support staff working in nursing homes, and ensure their safety and health as we continue to deal with this pandemic.
“It is vital we leave nobody behind as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.
"Our goal, in these challenging times, is to protect our older people, wherever they are living."
