The decline of St Joseph's Care Centre in Longford has been compared in the Seanad to the burning of St Mel's Cathedral.
Fine Gael senator Paraic Brady described a recent Hiqa report as 'damning' - and one of the worst ever.
The watchdog carried out an unannounced inspection into the centre last November, when it had 57 residents.
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Senator Brady says a root-and-branch investigation is needed:
