Internet use leading to increase in marriage counselling

More and more Irish couples are concerned about their partner's internet use, according to ACCORD, the Catholic marriage care service.

Its annual report for last year reveals a 20% increase in the number of couples who sought counselling because of problems caused by using the internet.

The number represents an overall rise of 125% since the agency began compiling statistics in 2007.

There was also an increase of 8% in the number of people availing of marriage counselling services.

The agency said it was down to a number of factors including financial problems and communication difficulties.

It is advising couples to invest at least as much time in their relationships as they do in their jobs and hobbies.