Peter K, you're quite right to say that this isn't a problem unique to Ireland or catholicism. I've made the same point myself elsewhere. My point is that the relationship between the church and the wider society in Ireland is affected by circumstances and history that are particular to that country, as it is in other countries.

Fair play to Kenny for raising the point but at the risk of sounding cynical, I wonder if there is an element of 'playing to the gallery' in all of this. Kenny must know how unlikely it is that any priest would actually comply with this proposed new law.

Jack Campin, I agree. The church is a small enough world for priests to know about abuse without hearing about it in the confessional. In any case, wouldn't such evidence be hearsay?