I think you've got to take Ian Mather's argument on board, Joe. Surely when this becomes law, the catholic church will have to decide how priests should respond. With contempt, or as responsible citizens.

Given the mood in Ireland now, north and south, and the public statements put out lately by the Irish archbishops, I think the line would be to respect the law if the decision rested with the Irish hierarchy. If it's a matter for the Vatican, then of course the response will be to buck the law. But the Holy See would thereby expose itself to approbrium anew, and it might be that prospect that has wound up the Vatican to the extraordinary point of recalling the nuncio from what was once its most supine satellite.

In any event the fact that the matter is up for discussion at all is bringing the confession sacrament itself into question, and this will surely encourage more thinking catholics to abandon the dwindling, gullible, few who still see any value in this mediaeval ritual.