Galway Bay fm newsroom - Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has described the discovery of human remains at the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam as deeply disturbing.
Minister Zappone says any further excavations will be decided by Galway County Council and the coroner for North Galway.
The Commission of Investigation looking at the matter says it is shocked at the discoveries made during test excavations underway since October.
Meanwhile, a hastily arranged meeting has now concluded in Tuam between the County Council and local residents living near the site. (Tune in to Galway Bay fm news at 3 for more on this)
The Mother and Baby Homes Commission says during recent excavations at the Tuam site, it discovered "significant quantities" of human remains in at least 17 of 20 underground chambers that were intended to be part of a sewage system.
A sample of the remains were removed for analysis - all were aged from 35 foetal weeks to 2-3 years of age.
And radiocarbon dating suggest they are likely to be from the 1950's - the Tuam mother and baby home operated from 1925 to 1961.
Children's Minister Katherine Zappone says it's very disturbing, confirming worst suspicions, and she promises an appropriate and respectful response by authorities now.
Sinn Féin's Donnach O'Laoghaire says this is an indictment of Ireland at the time and a national scandal.
He's to ask the children's committee to invite the commission chair to come before it to ensure her terms of reference are adequate to investigate all of this in Tuam and other locations.
There's been some criticism from relatives who only found out about today's news through the media.
A factual helpline has been established on 01-6 4 7 3 1 1 8 and people affected can call the HSE's info line on 1 8 0 0 2 4 1 8 5 0
Meanwhile, in a statement, the County Council says it recognises that the confirmation provided by the Commission will be the cause of upset - and will be particularly difficult for those with personal connections to the site.
It adds that the Council is conscious of the concerns of local residents and is engaging and supporting those residents as they come to terms with today's revelation.
It asks that their right to privacy is respected during this difficult time.
The local authority also says it is committed to facilitating an appropriate consultation process in the short-term regarding the future of the site.
Galway East TD and Junior Minister Sean Canney says the next step is a public consultation process to discuss the best way forward
Local historian Catherine Corless says it's a relief that the truth is finally emerging.
