A literature review of the lived experiences of Chaplains in the Irish Prison Service
Authors
Rudden, Rebecca
Issue Date
2025.16.2025
Degree
BA in Social Sciences
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Open Access
Abstract
This qualitative research project explores the lived experiences of chaplains in the Irish Prison Service. It is a literature review of prison chaplaincy’s annual report using thematic analysis. The chosen reports provided a broad overview of the Irish prison service. They highlight the multifaceted and unique role that chaplains fulfil in the prison system as they advocate for prisoners, prison staff and families. The extensive support they offer includes rehabilitation, emotional, educational, spiritual and counselling. Their reports provide expansive insight into structural inadequacies within the prison system that is being consistently neglected. Key themes identified included engagement with prison staff, family engagement, bereavement, challenges of leaving prison and finally, social justice and endemic discrimination. The reports reflect how societal inequality is contributing to vulnerable demographics ending up in the prison system with limited alternative pathway and inadequate support systems when they leave.