The Taoiseach's described the mass grave containing human remains of babies in Tuam as a "chamber of horrors".

But he's insisted the coroner and Gardai must be allowed to independently assess what investigation may be needed.

In the Dáil there have been calls for the Taoiseach to issue a formal state apology to the women committed to the home in Tuam, and to the babies who died there.

There have also been calls to expand the terms of reference for the ongoing Mother and Baby Homes Commission, to investigate the circumstances of ALL mother and baby homes.

At present the home is examining only a sample of the various 'county homes' around the country.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports: