One thing that many religions suffer from is a sense of priority.

Here in The UK, as in any democracy, we have a higher calling, it is called government.

How many times do you hear a priest / vicar whatever say they answer to a higher authority?

No they don't. If they want to enjoy the benefits of living in our society, they have to accept that they answer to the law. Full stop.

Sorry, but the actions of the Bishops and others in high office in covering up these crimes are, under Irish law as I understand it, an unlawful act in themselves.

If a stamp collector was in court for interfering with children and the chairman of the local philatelical society had been aware of it and had taken action to remove him but not report it to the police.... he would be deemed guilty of a number of crimes. So why not the clerical equivalent?