There is strong support among the public for allowing undocumented migrants to regularise their situation here.

A Red C survey found 69% believed people without legal status should be given an opportunity to live and work in Ireland.

When asked about offering legal status to undocumented children, 79% were in favour.

There are between 20,000 and 26,000 undocumented people in Ireland, according to the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.

Helen Lowry of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland says undocumented people are vulnerable to exploitation.

She told Newstalk Breakfast that it is time the government took action.