The four year waiting period for divorce currently required under Irish law is to be re-examined.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has said it was time to consider a cut in the lengthy separation period required of couples living in the Republic before they can finally divorce. It will be the first time the Irish government has reviewed applicable law in the country since divorce was legalised in 1996.
Ms Fitzgerald insisted that a review was now reasonable given the amount of time that had passed since the legislation was first introduced.
Irish TD (MP) Alan Shatter welcomed the move, describing the current waiting period as legal limbo, the Irish Times reports.
“A fundamental review of this area of family law is required now all the fears of the anti-divorce lobby have over a period of 20 years been proven wrong.”
Judicial separation is available to Irish couples after one year but divorce cannot be completed until the full four years have elapsed.
A national referendum would be required for any change in the law.
Anyone remember when it began and we were solemnly told that grass would grow in the streets and rats take over the cities of Ireland if divorce were introduced?
Not quite right!