A new report from the Garda Inspectorate on how well or how badly the Gardai are investigating child abuse allegations describes what amounts to a turf war between the HSE and the Gardai over who is responsible for what in terms of child protection.

The Catholic hierarchy has warned that commercial considerations should not be allowed to distract from the religious nature of First Holy Communion. It comes after a debate in the Dáil today where some deputies raised concerns about cuts to special grants that parents who are in receipt of social welfare benefits can avail of. Such emergency grants have, in appears, become common-place in recent years to help parents cover costs associated with First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

The statement notes: "The primary focus of First Holy Communion is the reception of the Body of Christ by the child for the first time; and, on the continued growth of the spiritual life of the child. 

"The First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies are important days - landmark days - and should be memorable, proud and happy occasions for the child, her/his parents, grandparents, sponsor, brothers, sisters, classmates and school.  However all the pressure of trying to make these sacramental days special for the child can cause parents a lot of stress."

The bishops say they are "very concerned about the cost issue facing parents with children for First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation and have discussed this matter in parishes. If the emphasis for sacramental preparation is placed on commercially related concerns, rather than on the spiritual significance of the sacrament, then it is not a good preparation for Catholic children."

A clear rift has now emerged between the two coalition parties on Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore’s controversial decision to downgrade Ireland’s diplomatic relationship with the Holy See. The Fine Gael Parliamentary Party last night (Wednesday) voted unanimously to support a motion that the closure of the Embassy to the Holy See should be reviewed.

Mr Gilmore, however, and his Labour Party colleagues have consistently insisted that there will be no going back on the decision. When he announced the closure in November he was keen to point out that he had the approval of the Government for the decision.

At the lengthy Fine Gael meeting Mr Kenny spoke of his personal good relations with the Catholic Church before backing comments by Minister for Europe Lucinda Creighton who said the closure of the embassy would be reviewed.

The issue is obviously not important enough to collapse the Government. However, it is embarrassing for the Tánaiste and Fine Gael supporters will be looking to see what exactly a ‘review’ of the decision involves. If the Taoiseach thinks that he can just kick the can down the road following the parliamentary party meeting he will be in for a shock. Campaigners have vowed that they will continue to lobby TDs and Senators until the decision is reversed.

More than 30 TDs and ministers spoke in favour of a motion by Sligo-North Leitrim TD Tony McLoughlin to review the closure and there were no dissenters.

According to sources the expectation among Fine Gael TDs and Senators is that the Embassy to the Holy See could be re-opened as soon as 18 months’ time – as long as the public finances improve.

At the height of State-sponsored discrimination against Catholics in Northern Ireland officials were rarely public about their anti-Catholic bias. Thankfully the North is now a transformed society and parity of esteem is a key principle particularly in employment rights and anti-discrimination legislation.

Fast forward to Dublin 2012 and some sections of the Labour Party want to bring in what amounts to a ‘no Catholic need apply’ rule in the civil service. At least, that is, any Catholic who takes their faith seriously. Is this the “modern Republic” that Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin is so fond of referring to? Clearly some in the sectarian wing of the Labour Party are intent on making Ireland a cold house for people of religious faith.

The proposal is contained in an internal document that will be put before the Labour Party conference later this year and, if adopted, Catholic applicants would be forced to answer questions on their religious faith.

The so-called ‘Clontarf Report’, which has been endorsed by Deputy Ó Ríordáin, insists that “all senior officials in State bodies which are likely to have to deal with the Catholic Church should be screened to ensure that they will not show inappropriate deference to the Catholic Church.

“Those who feel they are 'Catholic first and Irish second' should seek promotion in other organs of the State,” the document states.

What is “inappropriate deference” and how would it be defined?

Senior Vatican officials will hear first hand of the experiences of Irish abuse victims at a major conference in Rome next week aimed at extending better Church guidelines worldwide to ensure abuse allegations are handled properly.

Marie Collins, who was abused by Dublin priest Fr Paul McGennis, was one of the first people to come forward on how the Church failed to respond properly to her abuse.

She was instrumental in the Government's decision to set up the Murphy Commission and will speak of her experiences before Church leaders from all over the globe as well as senior Vatican officials such as Cardinal William Levada.

The conference aims to build on the work that has been done in countries like Ireland where robust guidelines have been agreed and implemented by the Church.

The Vatican is keen that Church leaders in other countries - particularly in the developing world - will not repeat the mistakes that have been made in mishandling or covering up abuse.

Entitled 'Towards Healing and Renewal' the conference will take place from February 5-9. I will also attend and report on the conference. FOr updates follow @MKellyIrishCath on Twitter.