Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
104. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on her commitment to produce legislation to underpin the appointment of and status of military chaplains including mechanism for representation by a Defence Forces representative association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33415/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I wish firstly, to commend the invaluable contribution made by military chaplains to the Defence Forces.
My officials are currently preparing proposals around the appointment and status of Military Chaplains, which are being informed by a Workplace Relations Commission Ruling from 2023, and a subsequent Defence Forces Chaplaincy Review Report from last year. In addition, I have also asked officials to consider a mechanism to provide for the representation of Chaplains by a Military Representative Association.
A policy position, once approved, will require appropriate underpinning in primary legislation. I have asked officials therefore to seek advices from the Office of the Attorney General on legislative issues arising.
Meanwhile Chaplains are free to join any other union or representative association, and as an interim measure, officials have written to the Head Chaplain to confirm that chaplains may bring any matters of concern directly to my Department.
I wish to assure the Deputy that this body of work, while complex, is a priority for me.
