Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Defence the breakdown of the denominations of the chaplains and officiating clergy paid for by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24705/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are seventeen Chaplains serving with the Defence Forces, sixteen of whom are Roman Catholic and one Church of Ireland. Other Chaplains are engaged from time to time as the occasion demands.

Chaplains provide spiritual guidance to all ranks of the Defence Forces by engaging with personnel in their work, prayer and in dealing with their families. Two chaplains are currently based overseas in Chad and Kosovo.