The claim is made in an RTE documentary called 'Last Judgement', which will be screened next Tuesday.

The priest in question admits to having given up a life of celibacy in favour of a relationship with the woman he loves.

The cleric, who is not identified in the programme, says that he and his partner had a religious ceremony in the presence of their family and friends to express their love for each other.

He says that he now considers himself to be married, even though his marriage is not recognised in the eyes of the law or the eyes of the church. He continues to practice as a priest, despite the bishop in his diocese being aware of the commitment he has made.

The documentary, which claims that "mandatory celibacy is causing a crisis in the Catholic Church", also includes an interview with Fr Brian D'Arcy, a member of the Passionists Order in Ireland.

D'Arcy says that young men studying to be priests were "brainwashed" into certain beliefs. He points to a document of rules for the young priests, which includes instructions such as "modesty of deportment" and "mortification of the eyes".

This, he believes, was a "charter for brainwashing".

"Mortification of the eyes meant we had to look at the floor all the time, " he says. "I knew every girl's legs and nobody's face. It was cruel, and no preparation for the world."

D'Arcy says that the Church exerted its control over the young priests by weakening their body and spirit. "If you can deprive a young, idealistic person of three things . . . sleep, food and affection . . . you can make them do anything, " he says.

Central to the documentary is footage of the family of Jim Dempsey who left the priesthood to marry and have children. Dempsey, who now runs a pub in Cadamstown, Co Offaly, is desperate to be allowed return to the priesthood.

"Since the last Vatican counsel, 150 million priests have left the church, and most of them have got married, " he says. "It's time for change.

Why can't I say mass? It's got nothing to do with celibacy.

It's got to do with power, control and politics. It's nothing to do with religion."