Prime Minister Kenny accused the Vatican of obstructing efforts to protect children from clerical abusers, and of interfering in a “sovereign, democratic republic.”
David Quinn, director of the think-tank the Iona Institute, pointed out: "No child abuser will go to a priest in confession knowing the priest is required to inform the police."
"Life is our most precious gift,” said Bishop Philip Boyce of the Diocese of Raphoe. “To attend or take part in it in any way is a worthwhile endeavour to pursue as Catholics."
Thomas Hammarberg, the Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe has issued a demand that the Irish coalition government “clarify” when women can have abortions under the current law.