Concerns are being raised in some quarters about the dramatic drop in the number of men training to be priests.
The Irish Catholic has published results of a survey which found that just 14 men entered seminary this year.
The newspaper says the number of men beginning priestly studies in England and Wales is four times higher despite the fact there are less Catholics there than in Ireland.
The survey of seminaries revealed that 57 men entered formation studying for dioceses in England and Wales compared to just 14 who entered seminary this year for Irish dioceses. This is only two above the lowest-ever Irish Figure in 2012.
The paper says if the figures remain low, many Irish parishes will be left without a priest for the first time.
Cathal Barry spoke to Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy about the figures:
