The New South Wales Government has put off tackling the thorny issue of forcing priests to reveal abuse they learn about in the confessional, despite the Commonwealth saying it is largely a state responsibility.

The NSW Government has unveiled its formal response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, accepting 336 of the recommendations.

The Government says criminals who repeatedly sexually abuse young people will face being jailed for life in the state.

But the recommendation to force priests to break the seal of the confessional to report abuse is among 14 recommendations being subjected to further consideration.