Is breakaway imminent?

Given the strains within the Irish Catholic Church, some form of breakaway of significant proportions cannot be ruled out.

Of course this may never happen but if it did, what would the effect be on our medical, educational and welfare infrastructure, so much of which is in church hands? It is perhaps time for the State to assume ownership of all this infrastructure.

This does not mean the State taking a greater control in any area or a commitment to unaffordable additional expenditure. It is a position in which the State, provided it is consulted, will normally acquiesce in the disposition of resources and their reinvestment in the pursuit of valid social goals, but is, however, in a position to uphold the needs of our society above all else.