Redress for those abused in religious-run schools cannot be "parked" until after a full statutory inquiry is completed, the Taoiseach has said.
Simon Harris has been responding to a scoping report on alleged historical sexual abuse at 308 schools across Ireland.
The inquiry found that religious orders have recorded almost 2,400 allegations of abuse.
Speaking during his trip to Ukraine, Taoiseach Simon Harris said we have to move forward in a survivor-centred way.
"Firstly we have to get the structure of any Commission of Investigation right - and what I mean by that is we have to have it done in a survivor-centred way," he said.
"People can't wait five, six, seven [or] longer.
"Even from a distance where we are today I've heard survivors who've been talking publicly saying that.
"I'm not speaking for them but what I take from what they've said is that they want a process that is going to find truth and justice in a manner that is a lot more efficient, perhaps, than commissions and other structures have been in the past."
'Hollow words'
Echoing comments by Education Minister Norma Foley, Mr Harris said redress "has to be a part of the overall offering and consideration the Government gives to this matter".
"Others have to also step up here as well - those who allowed this abuse to be carried out, those who carried out the abuse - and I think that's really important as well," he said.
"I welcome statements of regret and sorrow - and I don't doubt the bona fides from any order and it's better to have those statement than not - but they will be hollow words if they're just statements saying, 'We're sorry'".
Mr Harris said the approach of the survivor-centred scoping inquiry needs to be "carried through to the Commission of Investigation".
"If we don't get this right in terms of how we structure it then we have something that runs for years and years without answers and I know that's the last thing the survivors want," he said.
"So it does merit giving this the time and the engagement to try and put those processes in place but I certainly don't think issues of redress can be parked until the very end.
"Everybody has to step up here," he added.
Garda appeal
Gardaí meanwhile are encouraging anyone who wishes to report a crime relating to historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders to come forward.
They say they are fully aware of the profound impact of such abuse and any reports will be dealt with in a sensitive matter.
An Garda Síochána is also appealing to anyone who may have information, including as a witness, relating to crimes of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders to make contact with them.
Reports can be made by emailling GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie, by phone or by contacting your local Garda station.
Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact the charity One in Four on 01 66 24070
