More needs to be done help the stability and security of undocumented children in Ireland.

That is the message from Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI), which is calling on the Government to create a clear pathway to residency.

A new survey was carried out with 108 parents of undocumented children here.

Of the children whose parents completed the survey, 68% were born in Ireland while 32% were born outside of Ireland.

Of those born in Ireland, 58% are over five-years-old and 20% are over 10-years-old.

Some 78% of those born outside Ireland have lived here for over five years, with some living here for more than 16 years.

Source: Migrant Rights Centre Ireland

The average length of time spent so far in school in Ireland is five years, but 8% have spent more than 10 years in school here.

MRCI youth worker Mairéad McDevitt says: "The survey results confirm that undocumented children and young people are here long term, spending their formative years in Ireland, and being educated in our primary and secondary schools.

"Ireland is the home they know and love. These children and young people need stability, security and hope for the future.

"If there was a line they could join, they'd join it. If there was a form to fill out, they'd do it.

"The Government needs to end this legal limbo and create a pathway to papers for these children and young people - and it needs to do it now."

"We know that the Irish public supports these young people, just as we support the Irish undocumented in the US.

"Communities across Ireland are standing up for undocumented children; it's time our politicians did the same."

A Behaviour & Attitudes poll for the Sunday Times found that 71% of people believe anyone born in Ireland should be entitled to Irish citizenship.