The nine young people involved with the protest in St. Patrick's Cathedral have expressed a desire to be active members of this society in a statement issued via their court appointed representative.
The statement says each of the young people's situations is unique but that all are in education, with a number also involved in sporting and community activities.
"Each of the young people has expressed a desire to be active members of this society but spoke of their difficulties in concentrating on their studies when facing such an uncertain future.
"The young people wished to make it clear that they did not intend to dishonour a place of worship and want it to be known that they saw the cathedral as a place of sanctuary and safety and that their's was a just cause."
The young people are quoted in the statement saying: "We went to the church to show to the authorities that we are having huge difficulties and wish to stay in Ireland, and if sent back to our country we will be at grave risk."
Wardship for all nine young people has been extended for a period of four weeks by the President of the High Court, with Freda McKittrick of Barnardos being appointed as Guardian ad Litemfor all nine young.
A Guardian ad Litemis an independent person appointed by the court to represent the wishes feelings and interests of children and young people in specified court proceedings
The minors remain in the care of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and are, at present, being cared for together with the aim of returning to normality as soon as possible.
The statement says that the young people are taking food and drink and are making good progress. The HSE is currently reviewing arrangements for the young people's day to day care to ensure they receive ongoing physical and psychological support following their voluntary departure from St Patrick's Cathedral on Saturday evening.
The statement concludes: "Without the tireless commitment of the HSE staff, cathedral staff and Garda who attended the Cathedral, there was a real chance that this protest could have ended in tragedy.
"The minors will now return to their studies and will continue to pursue their claims for asylum through the prescribed channels."
President of the High Court, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, today extended wardship of the court on the minors. Ms McKittrick was appointed Guardian ad Litem, an independent person chosen to represent the wishes, feelings and interests of children and young people in specified court proceedings.
Mr Justice Finnegan noted that the boys had been at the heart of huge publicity over the weekend and urged lawyers to issue information about their circumstances. He said they were all high achievers in school despite coming from tough backgrounds.
And the judge also said that the HSE had acted with commendable speed and in the most appropriate way in dealing with the minors.
Their cases will be heard in the High Court again next month.
Ms McKittrick said each of the boy's situations was unique but all were in education, with a number involved in sporting and community activities.
"Each of the young people has expressed a desire to be active members of this society but spoke of their difficulties in concentrating on their studies when facing such an uncertain future," she said.
"The minors will now return to their studies and will continue to pursue their claims for asylum through the prescribed channels."
Barnardos also noted that had it not been for the tireless commitment of the HSE, cathedral staff and gardai at the scene there was a real chance the protest could have ended in tragedy.
In a statement the HSE said: "The HSE will continue to assess and provide for the care needs of the minors who will remain in our ongoing care. We are satisfied that the current provision meets their needs and will continue to review it in light of progress.
Officials at the HSE also acknowledged the help and co-operation of those involved in the resolution of the St Patrick's protest including gardai, the minor's legal representative, the court appointed guardian and church authorities.
"The HSE is indebted to the very valuable work carried out by its own staff during the difficult circumstances of the protest and in the days since when they have cared for the minors."
Additional reporting: PA