Gardaí have received more than 160 contacts since their appeal on Wednesday relating to historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders.
A scoping inquiry into allegations of abuse at schools run by religious orders found that there were 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse in respect of 308 schools recorded by the religious orders that ran those schools.
The allegations were made in respect of 884 distinct alleged abusers.
The inquiry has recommended that the Government consider a redress scheme for survivors of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools.
It has also recommended that the Government approach relevant religious orders about contributing to redress.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said reports have been made mainly directly to the Sexual Crime Management Unit at Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) by email and phone but also by the CSAR (Child Sexual Abuse Reporting) phone line and in person at individual garda stations.
It said it is in the process of making direct contact back with everyone who has contacted them and that each person "will be given the time and space to discuss their personal experience".
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The force said its overall response is being coordinated by the Sexual Crime Management Unit at the GNPSB and individual investigations will be carried out by dedicated trained gardaí attached to the Divisional Protective Service Units in each garda division.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan with the GNPSB said that gardaí are there to support anyone who wishes to report any crime of sexual abuse "not just in day and boarding schools run by religious orders but also in any other institution or organisation".
He described such crimes as "insidious" and which "have a lifelong effect" on those subjected to such abuse.
Det Chief Supt Noonan said that anyone contacting gardaí "can be assured that their interaction will be treated in complete confidence."
Vatican acknowledges importance of inquiry
Meanwhile, the Vatican has said it acknowledges the importance of the scoping inquiry into allegations of abuse at schools run by religious orders and the "harm done to victims and their families".
The Holy See said it "joins the Catholic Education Partnership in Ireland and the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference in acknowledging the importance of the Report, as well as the harm done to victims and their families".
The statement was issued by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, to RTÉ's Doc on One programme, which produced the 'Blackrock Boys’ documentary that helped to expose the abuse.
Mr Matteo said the Holy See "ensures its ongoing commitment for abuses never to be tolerated and for child safeguarding procedures and guidelines to be stringent and fully enforced".
Anyone wishing to make a report to gardaí can do so through the following options:
Email: GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie
Phone: Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222 (This is a confidential and free service available 24/7)
In Person: At your local garda station
