asked the Minister for Defence if he will appoint a Protestant chaplain to the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Chaplain.
13.
Arrangements regarding the practice of their religion by members of the Defence Forces, irrespective of persuasion, are governed by Defence Force regulations. Among other things the regulations provide that chaplains-in-charge shall be appointed as necessary to military barracks, camps or posts and that normally not more than one chaplain-in-charge shall be appointed to minister to each 1,000 officers, non-commissioned officers and privates. There are also provisions regarding visits to barracks by local clergymen, attendance at Sunday worship, including military transport if necessary, and payment of remuneration in respect of religious services provided by local clergymen.
Entirely on a numerical basis an appointment as suggested by the Deputy would not be expedient, but I might mention that at the Curragh Training Camp the Church of Ireland clergyman who ministers to troops has for many years been accorded the courtesy title of Church of Ireland Chaplain.
Could the Minister indicate how many Church of Ireland members of our Defence Forces there are?
I could not exactly give that information, but apart from Catholics there are 38 members on the Permanent Defence Force from 1st January, 1976. They belong to the following denominations Church of Ireland, Church of England, Church of Scotland, Presbyterian, Latter Day Saints, Mormons, Baptists and non-conformists. They are stationed at various military posts throughout the country.
Are there any Free Presbyterians?
No.