Hospitals, prisons and barracks are some of the most challenging postings for chaplains. Some 22 full-time Catholic prison chaplains cater for the State's prison population of about 3,500.

"Each prison is like a very small parish and their needs are broadly the same as the needs of any parish," says Father Feargal McDonagh, head prison chaplain. However, one important difference is the role drugs and alcohol play in the lives of the inmates.

And while the sacraments play a major role in a parish priest's work, much of a prison chaplain's time is spent helping prisoners deal with issues such as depression, grief and guilt. "We see ourselves as accompanying people through their journey of imprisonment," says McDonagh.

Being a prison chaplain involves much more than saying Mass and hearing confessions, he adds. Human rights and justice issues are serious concerns for chaplains.

Although prison conditions have improved in recent years, McDonagh believes that "in 100 years' time, when people talk about a lot of what we've done in response to crime, it will be seen as barbaric. I have no doubt about that."

Chaplains are largely on the side of prisoners, he says. "That doesn't mean we condone what they did, but, as the Bible says, love the sinner but hate the sin."

McDonagh has met people in prison who have no faith, and others with "an unbelievable faith, despite all that has happened to them".

In military life, chaplains have always played a key role, although the Republic, unlike other countries, does not give them a rank.

"We always say that we are the same rank as the person we are talking to," says Monsignor John Crowley, head chaplain with the Defence Forces.

"Our role is sacramental, of course, but also allied to the caring profession. We provide a confidential, safe space where people can talk."

Chaplains see themselves as part of the Army, but also as an independent voice. "We live with them , we work with them, we wear the uniform [with Celtic crosses, instead of other insignia]. We know what the troops are going through," Monsignor Crowley says.

"I would hope that we make people's lives easier. That's what we try to do anyway."

FATHER John Quinlan believes hospital chaplains also make patients' lives easier. He is chaplain at Tralee General Hospital and provides training for other chaplains.

His two-year study of pastoral healthcare found that when patients' private concerns were heard, they felt better quicker and were happier when they went home.

"It demonstrates in concrete terms that pastoral care is a necessary and therapeutic significant service," he says. "Hospitals respect the dignity of the person they serve by recognising that illness affects the whole person - mind, body and spirit."

In Tralee Hospital, chaplains' visits are now marked on a patient's chart in the same way as doctors' visits.

"It's all part of the accountability of the role," he says. "Accountability is essential in all healthcare and pastoral care is no different."

Alison Healy