Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Divorce is very difficult and traumatic for people emotionally. I do not believe anybody makes the decision to leave marriage lightly. Having gone through to that stage of irretrievable marriage breakdown, I believe the process of getting a divorce should be more straightforward and practical.

Divorces and separations can be very bitter and contentious. The longer the process to get to the final stage and achieve some type of finality to that union, the more difficult it is for everybody, both the spouses involved and their children.

The 2016 census results that were published this morning reveal an increase in the number of divorced people since 2011.

On average, 3,150 people divorced per year over the past five years and many more are waiting to divorce. We must show them compassion in the reality of today's world.

It is 22 years since divorce was introduced in Ireland to help, support and show compassion to couples who found themselves in a situation where it was better for them to live apart and settle their financial affairs in the appropriate way as well as having the possibility of remarrying. It is wrong that couples whose marriages have broken down must wait four years, which is an inordinate period of time, to be able to sort out all the different financial implications and get on with their lives because it has a negative and stressful impact on them, their wider families and their children.

When we consider the experience across Europe and the world, we see that our four year rule is outdated, as outlined by the Deputy. As my colleague, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, stated, Fianna Fáil is happy to support a more compassionate and understanding way forward for those who find themselves in this difficult situation. I commend Deputy Madigan for proposing the Bill and hope that we will see a situation where we can put this to the people sooner rather than later. They need to have their voice heard on the matter.

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