The Minister for Education said survivor engagement would be a ‘central part’ of the inquiry’s work.

Micheál Martin said the process would be victim-led

Leo Varadkar’s comments after it emerged more than 230 allegations of abuse have been made against 77 Spiritan priests.

Corry McMahon, who was abused while at Blackrock College, has encouraged others to come forward about historical abuse.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee confirmed a dedicate Garda helpline is being established for victims of clerical abuse to report crimes committed against them

"I think it’s very important that the existing mechanisms are used, particularly the criminal justice system and people should be investigated, (so) the gardaí should investigate the situations of abuse,” he said.

Abuse allegations relating to Spiritan schools as well as the Spiritan Order have been received by An Garda Síochána.

The Spiritans have since confirmed that 57 people have reported that they were abused on the grounds of Blackrock College.