The Taoiseach has described the treatment of women and children in mother-and-baby homes as "an abomination". Enda Kenny was speaking as the government announced a Commission of Inquiry into conditions at the homes.

The Taoiseach said if the issue was not properly handled, Ireland's soul would itself lie in an unmarked grave.

Earlier, he said the issue is broader than just the Bons Secours home in Tuam, where almost 800 infants and young children are thought to have died.

And he has told the Dáil that the Ireland of today had to come to terms with what he called its "not-so-glorious past".

The government earlier announced a full Commission of Investigation into the homes. It will have full statutory powers to seek documents and compel witnesses.

The wide-ranging inquiry will examine all aspects of the running of the homes and will not just be confined to the revelations concerning the former Bon Secours home in Tuam.

The terms of reference for the Commission will be decided when a final report comes from a high-level departmental group.

That report, from nine government departments, is due to be finished by June 30th.

Children's Minister Charlie Flanagan told Newstalk Lunchtime that it is essential that the facts are established and is calling on the Catholic Church to co-operate.

While the Chief Executive of the child and family agency, Tusla, says survivors of mother and baby homes must be given support.

Gordon Jeyes says the way Irish society has looked at adoption in the past is one of our last big untold stories.

He says it is important that a country learns from its past.

Meanwhile the Chief Executive of Barnardos has revealed his own family was affected by Ireland's mother and baby scandal.

In relation to Tuam, Fergus Finlay also said he believes it is important to remember that the State and the religious orders worked together to run the homes.

Meanwhile the Public Expenditure Minister said any investigation into the homes must be as robust as possible.

Brendan Howlin said forced adoptions and vaccine trials must be included in whatever action is taken by government.