Updated 10.57pm

THE IRISH MAIL on Sunday has commissioned a ground survey of the site of an alleged mass grave in Tuam.

This follow’s the paper’s exclusive story which contained allegations that the bodies of almost 800 children may be buried in the grave at the former mother and baby home.

The death records for these children were discovered by local historian Catherine Corless who was researching the history of the home, which was run by the Bon Secours order of nuns from 1925 until 1961.

In a statement, the Mail said a ground penetrating radar analysis of the site is being carried out by private firm TsT Engineering and the results will be published in this Sunday’s edition of the paper.

“They will also be presented in full to the Committee, and made available in full to the Minister for Children if and when a state inquiry into the site is established,” it said.

Commenting on the story itself, the paper said it had “highlighted a historical issue of enormous significance not only to the children and families who survived, but the country as a whole”.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has ordered a report from An Garda Síochána to establish how much information it holds about these revelations.

There have also been called for the area to be declared a crime scene and for a full public inquiry.

First published 8.12pm

Read: Frances Fitzgerald confirms she has ordered a garda report into the Tuam babies revelations>

Read: Amnesty International: Tuam investigation must be independent, effective and transparent>