A forensic excavation at the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam, Co Galway, is expected to get underway later this year.
The Children's Minister has published the Institutional Burials Bill, which provides a lawful basis for excavation, recovery and analysis of remains at the site.
DNA will be analysed in the hopes of reuniting families with the remains of their loved ones.
The government says while the process will be extremely complex due to the number and age of children interred there, it will be carried out by professionals, in line with international standards.
