‘Three in 20 marriages failed in 2004’

THE number of divorces granted in the Republic has reached its highest level yet, with more than 3,300 marriages legally terminated last year.

It is the first time since divorce was legalised in 1997 that the number has exceeded 3,000.

Based on official marriage statistics, it means Ireland has a divorce rate of around 16%, although it is still low compared to other EU countries.