The health watchdog HIQA has today agreed to grant nursing homes up to three years to reach adequate standards of care.
It was revealed last week that 80 homes may face closure by the summer if their facilities and standards are not improved.
This warning comes in the wake of scandals such as Aras Attracta controversy in December last, where several staff members were secretly filmed mistreating residents.
Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch has said that HIQA has agreed to work with nursing homes and extend their deadlines for compliance.