Tributes paid to Dr Walsh's roles with the Irish Bishops Drugs Initiative, the Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Care, Cura, and as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ferns.

“It is essential for us as a Church which cares passionately about the gift of life, and wants to support both mothers and their unborn children, to seek better ways of responding to this new and very challenging reality.”

We pray especially for those who have lost a child and for those who are concerned about their pregnancy

“A tireless peacemaker and bridge-builder” who was one of the “great figures of the ecumenical movement in Ireland – a role he accomplished through gentle friendship and witness”.

Irish bishops appeal to Catholics to pray for protection of human life from conception till death and call on government to “prioritise the needs of low income families, and target resources towards social housing and the homeless” in budget 2017.

The internet is by far the single greatest referral source for new Cura clients (41%) with over half of new-users visiting the site via tablet or smartphone.

“As a society our progress should be measured against how effectively we care for the most vulnerable amongst us,” bishops state.