Family law cases rise as number of murder and rape trials jumped by 57% last year

The number of murder and serious sexual offence trials held in Irish courts increased by 57% last year, figures show (Julien Behal/PA)

Family law cases continued to rise in 2021, with increases in divorce applications, child access cases and child care orders.

Child abduction cases before the courts also rose, with a near doubling in emergency orders before the High Court last year.