"A small number of remains were recovered for the purpose of analysis," the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes said.

"These remains involved a number of individuals with age-at-death ranges from approximately 35 foetal weeks to 2-3 years.

"Radiocarbon dating of the samples recovered suggest that the remains date from the time frame relevant to the operation of the mother and baby home."

The Tuam home operated from 1925 to 1961.

A number of the samples are likely to date from the 1950s, according to the commission.

"The Commission is shocked by this discovery and is continuing its investigation into who was responsible for the disposal of human remains in this way," it said in a statement.