The continuing rise in the number of children being born outside marriage has been described as “alarming” by The Iona Institute.

Figures released today by the CSO in its Vital Statistics report for 2006 show that the total number of births outside marriage was 21,397 in 2006. This is 1,896 more than in 2005 and is equivalent to 31.9 per cent of all births.

The figures also show that over 81 per cent of first-time births to women aged 20-24 are outside wedlock. Seventy three per cent of second births in this age cohort are also outside marriage.

Of children born to women aged between 25-29, 40 per cent of first births are outside marriage. Forty three per cent of second-born children to these women outside wedlock, while 41 per cent of third-born children born to women n this age cohort

Eighteen per cent of first-born children delivered to women aged between 30-34 are outside wedlock, but this falls to 15 per cent for second and third children in this age cohort.

Commenting on the figures the Director of The Iona Institute, David Quinn said: “These figures are alarming. In general, marriage provides the best environment for children. We know this from abundant social science research.”

He continued: “The family based on marriage provides a child with the best chance of being raised by both a mother and a father. Although half of children born outside marriage are to cohabiting couples, cohabiting couples break-up twice as often as married couples, according to British figures.”

He concluded: “If we still believe it is best for a child to be raised by a married, loving mother and father, then it is clear that we need to do much more as a society to promote marriage. This is the one of the very best things we could do for children.”