Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for facilitating my request. I welcome the Bill but, unfortunately, I do not have a lot of time to speak about it. Reducing the time from four to two years is a welcome step forward. These amendments will facilitate a discussion on the matter and other requirements.

Most people when they have reached the stage of seeking a divorce have been separated or their marriage has been falling apart for a long time. The stipulation of two years is still too onerous a requirement and prevents people from moving on emotionally, financially and in many other ways. The amendment proposes that the State "shall not require a period of time for the spouses to have lived apart from one another in excess of two years". The reason we stipulated a time was because the Government could, potentially, add a more onerous time in the future.

We also do not think that a judge should have the power to say that a marriage is not over and there is still potential for a reconciliation. We believe that provision should be removed from the Constitution. We can legislate for issues like ensuring that children are looked after and cover the other stipulations as well.