Stuart Carolan's new RTE drama Taken Down paints a vivid picture of life in Direct Provision in Ireland.

He joined us in studio to discuss the series, along with one of its actors, Taby Ruigu.

Taby, who plays Nina, spent just under four years in Direct Provision in Kilmainham when she was a child. She describes this time as "kind of sheltered — I didn't realise the situation."

Since very few Direct Provision centres have their own kitchens, Taby says families have to eat what they're told to eat. There are also curfews: "It's hard to integrate when you put people in that situation."

There are currently 801 families living in Direct Provision centres around the country, and Stuart wanted to draw attention to what he calls "an inhumane system."

"People are aware of it but don't pay attention to it. I think when people see it, then it brings home the reality of it and the sense of almost being in a prison-like environment."

"We wanted to do something that's not a typical police procedural. We decided to really explore this, and we spent the opening showing the character's journey and where she's come from."

To catch the full chat press the play button on the image on the top of the screen