Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the role of NGOs, religious bodies and local authorities, it would be fair to say that the direct provision system goes on at the administrative level, involving the State and commercial arrangements with providers of accommodation, and at a local level there are churches and other groups involved in supporting people in different ways.

Pope Francis has made a high-profile call on parishes to take families. What is likely to happen? Will there be formal meetings with the different churches or can the witnesses enlighten us as to how that government approach to civil society might take shape?