Research shows divorces and separations up five-fold

A new report shows a 500% increase in the number of divorces and separations in the past 25 years.

The Iona Institute has published new figures based on Census 2011 called the 'Marriage Breakdown and Family Structure in Ireland'.

Research shows, between 1986 and 2011, there has been a 360% rise in the number of cohabiting couples and a 119% jump in the number of children being raised outside of marriage.

Professor Patricia Casey, said these findings show that the Irish family is changing rapidly.