The number of applications for divorce and judicial separations has more than trebled since the introduction of divorce legislation exactly 10 years ago, according to official figures.

Court figures show that, while the combined number of applications for divorce and judicial separation in 1997 was 1,694 (431 and 1263 respectively), the comparable figure in 2005 was 5,833 (4126 and 1707 respectively).

This corresponds to an increase of nearly 350 per cent.

Although it is impossible to demonstrate conclusively that the introduction of divorce in itself caused this huge increase, the figures are at least indicative of a causal relationship.

It is been suggested that the rate of increase in marital breakdown has not increased as a result of the introduction of divorce. In fact, it is hard to draw this conclusion from the available data. The figures that are available show that applications for judicial separations rose from 2264 in the year ended July 1992, to 2806 in the year ended July 1993. This figure increased to 2847 in the following year.It dropped in the following years as people appeared to wait for divorce to be introduced.

However, 1998, the year after the passing of divorce legislation, saw the rate of combined judical separation and divorce applications jump from 1694 to 4342. This is far more dramatic than any of the increases prior to the introduction of divorce.

This very big increase suggests that the introduction of divorce did accelerate the rate of marital breakdown in Ireland. However, again it is hard to draw definitive conclusions because many of those applying for divorce may have already been separated and may have been granted a judicial separation in previous years..

Meanwhile, three out of four voters would now vote in favour of retaining divorce, according to a poll published in Irish Times on Monday. The poll showed that a majority, 64 per cent, did not believe that divorce had contributed to a decline in the institution of marriage.

Support for divorce was highest amongst voters from Dublin and those in the 18-23 age bracket, while older voters, and those from rural areas were more likely to be opposed. Green voters were most likely to say divorce has undermined marriage.