The High Court has ruled that the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse can continue to investigate allegations against Christian Brothers who are old, incapacitated, untraceable or dead.
However, in his 120-page judgment, Mr Justice Henry Abbott introduced protections to the Laffoy Commission's procedures, particularly in the case of those accused who are dead.
The Christian Brothers had argued it was contrary to fair procedure to hear allegations against people who might be too old or infirm to give instructions, or who are untraceable or deceased.
They sought a declaration from the court that deceased members of the order could not be named in the commission's eventual report.
The judgment, which affects the remit and extent of the operation of the Laffoy Commission's Investigation Committee, is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court.
The Commission - formerly chaired by Ms Justice Mary Laffoy - was set up to inquire into the abuse of children in residential institutions.
About 700 allegations against the order have been made to the commission.
