A Monaghan Senator says HIQA definitely has questions it needs to answer.
An RTE investigates programme broadcast earlier in the month showcased abuse in two nursing homes owned by Emeis Ireland.
HIQA appeared before the Oireachtas this week and apologised for its failings relating to these findings.
Senator Robbie Gallagher believes if HIQA has concerns, it should speak up.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan show, he suggested that a broader conversation might be needed around this type of care.
"In relation to its role with the nursing home sector in Ireland, HIQA are an organisation that do good work. There's no doubt about that, but in relation to this particular issue, certainly HIQA have questions to answer"
He added, "It's important that we take the learnings from this and if HIQA have shortcomings or they feel regulation isn't strong enough in this particular area, they need to speak up and tell us that."
