Gardaí are investigating allegations of abuse against members of the Irish Spiritan over a 50-year period.
The investigation is being co-ordinated at a national level by the Sexual Crime Management Unit, which is part of the Garda Protective Services Bureau.
The unit manages complaints and allegations against religious orders.
It also assesses allegations and determines whether they are to be investigated by the national unit or referred to a local investigation team.
The Spiritans say over 233 people have made allegations of abuse against identified Irish Spiritans in ministries in Ireland and abroad, 57 of which relate to Blackrock College in Dublin.
A total of 77 priests have had allegations made against them.
Gardaí have today issued an appeal to victims of abuse to contact them, or a support group and they say their case will be dealt with sympathetically and sensitively.
Meanwhile, Blackrock College has issued an apology to victims of sexual abuse which it described as a shameful period in the school's history which it said it deeply regretted.
In a letter to parents signed by the principal Alan MacGinty, he said the school would work diligently to ensure the highest standard of care for all students and staff.
He expressed sympathy to past pupils, their extended families and friends who suffered such "harrowing and life changing experiences".
The letter also contained a statement from Fr Martin Kelly C.S.Sp, head of the Spiritan Order in Ireland, who also apologised to victims and survivors of abuse.
He said the order would do all in its power to help all who had been injured and ensure that the schools were "safe places for the present generation of pupils".