Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of chaplaincy services by his Department; the amount of money spent on these services; the denominations involved; if humanist chaplain's are provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17131/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department allocates chaplain posts to Community and Comprehensive Schools and designated Community Colleges. There are currently 152 whole time equivalent chaplain posts allocated to these schools. The annual cost is approximately €9m. The appointment of catholic or Protestant chaplains to these schools flow from the original agreements concluded when the schools concerned were established. The chaplains are not necessarily teachers of religion and perform pastoral and counselling roles. Under current arrangements they can teach a minimum number of hours and subject to their individual qualifications this may be for subjects other than religion.