The speech by Enda Kenny attacking the Vatican over the Cloyne Report has heralded in a new low in Church State relations. Will this lead to a separation of powers between Church and State? At present, they are so intertwined with education and health. The Papal Nuncio has been recalled by the Vatican as a result of the huge criticism.
While an emotional speech is one thing, having a plan on how to separate the two institutions will be a large amount of work. The majority of our schools are still owned by church bodies. The Taoiseach will have much on his plate. The Education Minister, Ruairi Quinn, wants to see less of the Church in education but, given the State finances, how will this be afforded? There is much to consider in this ongoing debate.
