Vatican response to scandal disgraceful, says Kenny

THE Vatican’s response to the rape and sexual abuse of Irish children by Catholic clergy has been “disgraceful”, Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted.

In a strongly worded rebuke for the Church’s attitude towards inquiries such as the one that uncovered widespread child abuse in Cloyne, Mr Kenny warned Canon Law conventions would not be allowed to prevent tough protection laws coming in.

“The law of the land should not be stopped by a collar or a crozier,” he said.