asked the Minister for Defence the number of chaplains and officiating clergymen who are employed by his Department; the average rank and salary which they receive; if his Department have applied the public service employment embargo upon their numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Chaplains and Clergymen.
29.
At present there are 18 chaplains serving with the Defence Forces on a full-time basis. There are a further four chaplains serving on a temporary basis to replace chaplains currently serving overseas or on leave following overseas service. There is also one Church of Ireland clergyman employed on a contract basis. In addition, there are 14 officiating clergymen who officiate on special feast days. Chaplains do not have a rank.
The average salary of full-time chaplains is £17,300 per annum. The average payment to officiating clergymen is £1,000 per annum. There has been no change in the number of chaplains serving with the Defence Forces since the introduction of the Government embargo on the filling of vacancies in the public service in March 1987.