Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the provision of chaplaincy services by his Department; the amount of money spent on these services; the denominations involved; if humanist chaplains are provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17130/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Chaplaincy Service, which currently comprises of 16 Roman Catholic chaplains and 1 Church of Ireland chaplain, respects the traditions and practice of those of other faiths and ensures that the integrity of all faith groups within the Defence Forces is respected. While the Defence Forces Chaplaincy Service cares for military personnel and their families who are predominately Roman Catholics, provision has been made to provide for the spiritual needs of all denominations.

Representatives of other Churches are invited to partake in Ecumenical Services each year during the Week of Christian Prayer. Clergymen of other denominations are encouraged to visit and meet with members of their Churches.