A Cabinet Minister says a Commission of Investigation into how Sinn Féin handled sex abuse can be considered but there's an urgent need to protect children now.

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan's told the Dáil the onus is on Sinn Féin to provide all information, especially in relation to those who may be posing a risk to children now.

Fianna Fáil leader Michyeál Martin's asked the Government for a Commission of Investigation, while Sinn Féin Deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald called on anyone with information to go to the authorities.

But Minister O'Sullivan says senior people in Sinn Féin need to provide the information they have: