Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1574. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding the provision of chaplaincy services by her Department; the amount of money spent on these services; the denominations involved; if humanist chaplains are provided by her Department; the services that are in place for persons who do not have chaplains of their faiths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40784/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a number of the agencies under the remit of my Department provide Chaplaincy services.
The Irish Prison Service regards the Chaplaincy as an essential service, making a significant contribution as part of the multidisciplinary team in a prison, addressing the physical, social and spiritual needs of prisoners in a holistic way.
The Irish Prison Service mission statement is to provide safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison and I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that Chaplains have a crucial supporting role in prison life by providing pastoral and spiritual care to the entire prison community, including prisoners of all denominations and none. I am assured that Chaplains are respectful of and seek to meet the needs of prisoners from all belief systems, irrespective of whether the belief system is religious or non-religious. I am advised that Chaplains also work with all external religious leaders respectful of different religions so as to establish and maintain sound working relations with religious denominations.
I am advised that the Chaplaincy Service in the Irish Prison Service offers a one-to-one support system and arranges bereavement support groups, counselling and courses in consultation with other services. The Chaplaincy Service is independent and professional, while working as part of the prison multidisciplinary team reporting to the Governor. Chaplains are public servants, are employees of the Irish Prison Service and are appointed on a non-denominational basis. The Irish Prison Service is committed to the continuing support and development of Chaplaincy. An External Review of Chaplaincy is due to take place in Q4 2022 which will provide the framework for the future development of Chaplaincy. The review is intended to feed into the Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026.
The number of whole-time and part-time chaplains in the Irish Prison Service, and the amount expended on chaplaincy services in each of the past ten years to date is set out in tabular form below.
Irish Prison Service: Number of whole-time and part-time chaplains
|
Office |
Head Chaplain |
Whole-time Chaplains |
Part-time Chaplains |
Whole-time Locum Chaplains |
Part-time Locum Chaplains |
|
Number |
1 |
18 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
Irish Prison Service: Amount expended on chaplaincy services
|
Year |
Irish Prison Service Expenditure on Chaplaincy Services |
|
2022 (up to and including 21 July 2022) |
€ 635,058.23 |
|
2021 |
€ 1,200,602.34 |
|
2020 |
€ 1,231,426.69 |
|
2019 |
€ 930,983.73 |
|
2018 |
€ 988,313.29 |
|
2017 |
€ 1,032,192.06 |
|
2016 |
€ 895,948.50 |
|
2015 |
€ 867,928.51 |
|
2014 |
€ 845,085.25 |
|
2013 |
€ 938,018.58 |
Furthermore, the Deputy may wish to note that An Garda Síochána has two Chaplains. I am advised that the Chaplains working with An Garda Síochána provide spiritual support and assistance to all personnel within the service.
The amount expended on chaplaincy services by An Garda Síochána in the last number of years is set out in tabular form below for the Deputy's information.
An Garda Síochána: Amount expended on chaplaincy services
|
Year |
An Garda Síochána Expenditure |
|
2021 |
€45,000 |
|
2020 |
€45,000 |
|
2019 |
€25,000 |
|
2018 |
€25,000 |
|
2017 |
€25,000 |
|
2016 |
€25,000 |
|
2015 |
€25,000 |
|
2014 |
€25,000 |
|
2013 |
€25,000 |
