Child victims of abuse in religious and other institutions around the State are to be commemorated by groves of trees planted at forests in the four provinces of the country.
The first of the specially-designed "groves of reflection" was formally opened today at a ceremony in Co Wicklow by Mr Seamus Brennan TD.
He was the minister in charge of celebrations to mark the Millennium in Ireland and the committee he heads received a request for a memorial from the Association for the Healing of Institutional Abuse.
The organisation has assisted in counselling more than 1,500 victims of physical, sexual and mental abuse as children in institutions over an extended period dating back many decades.
Many of the cases have led to jail sentences for those who were in charge of or worked at the institutions involved in the allegations.
Mr Brennan said recognition of a number of factors had been a central theme of the work of the Millennium Committee and as a result there were now scores of national and local projects signalling the contribution, courage and sacrifice of individuals and communities.
He added: "We are proud to be unveiling the first of the groves of reflection to be dedicated to those who suffered immeasurably in institutions and elsewhere.
"This is an opportunity to salute the bravery of individual victims who were determined to tell their stories and seek justice - and in doing so shone a dark light into the dark corners of our past and present.
"It is our earnest hope that those who were the victims of this shameful abuse, their families and loved ones, will find peace at the groves, time to reflect and renewed strength and hope for the future."
Among those at the ceremony was Ms Christine Buckley, the subject of an RTE documentary in 1996 about her experiences at the home where she was brought up.
The programme did much to expose the extent of abuse, which has since prompted apologies from the Irish government and many of the religious organisations involved.
She said today's event realised a dream for everyone who had been raised in institutions.
Ms Buckley declared: "These special groves will help the healing process and offer a place for quiet reflection for everyone."
As well as the grove opened today at Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, others are being located in Co Tipperary, Co Mayo and Co Monaghan.
Each has a wooden seat inscribed: "This Millennium Grove is devoted to all victims of institutional abuse who have suffered immeasurably. May the future ensure that those most vulnerable will never again endure such pain and deprivation."