President Mary McAleese has praised the victims of Ireland's abusive childcare institutions, describing their suffering as an "atrocious betrayal of love".
Mrs McAleese claimed those responsible, which includes priests, nuns and Church and state officials, would be reflecting on the Ryan Inquiry's devastating findings.
"It is shocking and shameful that so many children had to endure such appalling suffering and abuse in institutions whose obligation and vocation it was to provide them with safe and loving care," the President said.
'Silence'
"It was an atrocious betrayal of love. My heart goes out to the victims of this terrible injustice, an injustice compounded by the fact that they had to suffer in silence for so long.
She added: "This report utterly vindicates their determination to break that silence and to have their voices heard.
"They are deeply courageous people who deserve the understanding and support of all of us at this very difficult time."
Government ministers will hold a special Cabinet meeting in the coming weeks to discuss the Commission's report.
A full Dail debate is also planned for after the local and European elections in early June.
The President praised the work of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan.
"This clear and thorough report has discharged an important public service in bringing these terrible matters to full light," she said.
"We all need to reflect carefully now on its findings and recommendations and I know that everybody with a responsibility in the matter will be doing so carefully and fully."
Criticisms
Meanwhile, victims of child abuse hit out at the new leader of Catholics in England and Wales for praising the courage of clergy who came clean.
The Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, who was formally installed at a ceremony in London on Thursday, said the harrowing catalogue of sexual, physical and emotional torture should not be allowed to overshadow the good work of priests and nuns.
Archbishop Vincent praised the courage of orders and some clergy in Dublin for examining the abuse.
The Irish Survivors of Child Abuse (Soca) branded the Archbishop's remarks outrageous.
Soca spokesman John Kelly said: "That is the challenge today on his installation as Archbishop of Westminster - will he advance the cause of justice and help bring closure to this appalling scandal?"
Only one order, the Rosminians, was praised by Commission chairman Judge Sean Ryan for its work in attempting to understand the abuse as well as document it.
The Christian Brothers, which ran the largest number of institutes, only agreed to drop legal challenges and give evidence to the Commission after a deal was done not to name and shame the abusive clerics.
Mr Kelly said: "It is an outrageous statement to make, suggesting that the Christian Brothers were very brave in coming forward. That will cause more hurt to victims.
"The Religious Orders ran to the safety and sanctuary of the Ryan Inquiry knowing full well that their guilty evidence was granted privilege and immunity."
A spokesman for Archbishop Nichols responded to the criticism from victims.
"Archbishop Nichols has unequivocally condemned all abuse. He said his heart went out to all those who had been abused and that the perpetrators of abuse should be held to account," the spokesman said.
"He clearly said that where offences demand such action, the perpetrators should face legal and police processes."
Soca called for Pope Benedict to convene a special Consistory in Rome to investigate the abuse and deal with the perpetrators.
© Press Association