Almost 10,000 people are currently homeless, and nearly 86,000 households are on the social housing waiting list.

Research shows that two thirds of the higher costs for older children go towards food, clothing, personal care and social inclusion costs. Some €9.50 of the extra costs goes on second level education expenses.

“We wouldn’t abandon our children to the streets of Dublin on a Saturday night at twelve o’ clock ... Yet in effect that is what parents are doing when they give their children unfettered access to the internet,” said Jeremy Pagden.

“Failure to recognise and respond appropriately to the complex issues which abuse presents has, at times, compounded the profound and harmful impact on the lives of many young and vulnerable persons.”

“So many parents in our society today feel that they are failing because they cannot provide security for their children” and many are reluctant to ask for help because of stigma and shame.

"The health, well-being and development of too many children is being compromised because of inefficiencies and resource gaps in our public health system" - Barnodos

‘Keep it local’ ethos allows volunteers the flexibility to provide the necessary help for people in their area.

“We work hard to support families and individuals every day and not just at Christmas, but we depend on donations now more than ever to raise funds so our services can cope with the constantly rising demand.”

“The latest figures clearly show the homeless crisis is continuing to deepen and the government really needs to have this issue at the top of its agenda” – Focus Ireland.

Children aged under four are now the single largest age group experiencing homelessness, with Census 2016 identifying 765 homeless preschoolers.

Having a long-term approach to investing in services will prove more beneficial in building a more sustainable equitable society for our children.

Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life addresses international delegates in Ireland for WMOF2018 preparatory meeting.

Latest figures show women now account for 42 per cent of the number of adult homeless and this has increased from 34 per cent over the last two years alone.

The executive order to turn away refugees and to close our nation to those, particularly Muslims, fleeing violence, oppression and persecution is contrary to both Catholic and American values – Cardinal Cupich of Chicago.

“It is clear to us the economic recovery isn’t being felt by all as we are supporting parents who are under huge strain to meet the needs of their children because of the absence of appropriate quality public services” – Fergus Finlay, Barnardos.

It breaks my heart to think that up to 2,500 children will be homeless on Christmas day this year – Sr Stan, founder of Focus Ireland.

“It’s a big undertaking, but people have always been very generous to us” – Fr Seamus Enright CSsR

Promising start during Govt's first 100 days in office must now be followed with concrete action, children’s charity warns.

Garden is to be a place in view of the Shrine for bereaved parents and is dedicated to the memory of all deceased children.

Britain's troubled families Tzar addresses SVP seminar and lauds St Vincent de Paul's home visitations.

'Art of accompaniment' of families must not be "outsourced" to a few volunteers in a marriage agency.

230,000 children are at risk of poverty – up 12,000 in a single year warns Social Justice Ireland.

As Ireland marks 20th anniversary of introduction of civil divorce, one in four marriages are ending in separation or divorce.

The canonisation of married couple Blessed Louis and Zèile Martin, parents of St Thérèse of Lisieux, is the first in the history of the Church.

Rise Up research uncovers endemic societal inequalities that limit children from achieving their potential according to Barnardos.

On Syria and Iraq Pontiff appeals, “We need to find a solution, which is never a violent one, because violence only creates new wounds”.

“It will probably not help Catholics who are validly married and who unfortunately are in trouble with their relationship.”

“It can be very difficult for parents to provide for the material needs of their children" and there are children who live and sleep in very inadequate situations.

"They are not excommunicated, and should not be treated as such, but rather must be encouraged, with their families, to participate in the Church’s life."

"With my last breath, please God, I will be passing on the faith," says Catherine Wiley.