A health board seeking the closure of a Dublin nursing home for a series of alleged breaches in care must wait almost six months before its case is heard.
The South Eastern Area Health Board is alleging that Rostrevor nursing home in Rathgar, Dublin, has flouted care and welfare regulations.
Judge Angela Ní Chondúin yesterday said the case could not be heard and would have to be adjourned until March 2005. The board failed to close the home in August after a High Court ruling.
The owner of the nursing home, Ms Therese Lipsett, is contesting the allegations.
She said that while some problems may have arisen as a result of staff shortages, the home has responded to any criticism levelled at it by the board. Ms Lipsett has also said that none of the 23 residents has chosen to move.
