The Law Society of Ireland has called for a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming divorce referendum.

The announcement was made yesterday when the society launched a report with 11 recommendations for reform of divorce law in Ireland.

Its principal author Dr Geoffrey Shannon said the current requirement to live apart for a period of four years prior to the institution of divorce proceedings “may now be considered too long”. He added: “It may result in a duplication of legal expenses and protracted proceedings, where parties are involved in both judicial separation and divorce proceedings over time.”

Judicial separation is allowed after a 12 month wait. The Government is proposing to introduce a two year wait for divorce if the referendum is passed.