The move follows a recommendation in the report of the scoping inquiry set up to examine historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders.

The scoping inquiry was told of 2,395 allegations of historical sexual abuse, involving 884 alleged abusers in 308 schools across all parts of the country between the years 1927 to 2013. Most of these allegations were reported from the records of some 42 religious orders who currently or previously ran schools in Ireland.

The establishment of a State inquiry into historical sexual abuse was one of the recommendations made by Mary O’Toole SC in her report.

Education minister Norma Foley said: “The report of the scoping inquiry is a harrowing document, containing some of the most appalling accounts of sexual abuse.

“The scale and horror of what people described in their interviews with the scoping inquiry is shocking, and the lasting impact on the lives of those survivors cannot be overstated. I have been deeply moved by the courage, fortitude and openness of all those who have shared their experiences.

“I am thinking of all those who came forward today as part of the scoping inquiry process and indeed those who are not in a position to do so at this point in their lives.

“I wish to remember and acknowledge in particular the late Mark Ryan, who, with his brother David, was instrumental in the establishment of the scoping inquiry. He is very much in our hearts today, and I am mindful that the first anniversary of his passing is approaching in the coming weeks.”

She continued: “I am announcing today that the government has accepted the principal recommendation of the report of the scoping inquiry, which is for the establishment of a commission of investigation. Historical sexual abuse is a profoundly serious matter and needs to be examined in detail.

“One of the most compelling aspects of the report is that older participants provided devastating accounts of how sexual abuse in childhood has affected their entire lives, from their schooldays through adolescence, early adulthood and right through to later years.

“I am pleased to note that the report states that current child protection measures in schools are robust and effective and I am conscious that the safety of children today is a matter of paramount concern to survivors and all of society.”

The scoping inquiry report also recommended that consideration be given to establishing a redress scheme for survivors of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders.

Further recommendations relate to improving the experience for survivors in legal processes and the establishment of dedicated support services for survivors, particularly in relation to the commission and potential participation in that process.

The scoping inquiry commissioned independent expert reports on child protection in our schools and restorative justice as part of its work.

Ms Foley said: “I also want to acknowledge that there are many other people whose work and advocacy have brought us to this important moment, and to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this process in any way, whether through their own participation or their support for a family member or friend.

“I also want to thank the scoping inquiry team, the lead, Mary O’Toole, and the survivor engagement lead, Kieran McGrath, for their diligent work in producing what is a very detailed and thorough report.”