The ban on divorce in Ireland was lifted following the 1995 referendum.

It was narrowly passed, despite opposition from those who warned it would destroy the institution of marriage and be damaging to families and children.

According to the 2016 census, just 4.7% of people who were married have been divorced.

On 24 May another referendum will be held, this time on the question of whether or not to reduce the waiting time for a divorce to two years, and on the recognition of foreign divorces.

Under the current legislation, couples must have lived apart for four years out of the previous five before they can apply for a divorce.

In our Monday debate, we looked at what the referendum will mean for couples who have separated and want to divorce, as well as the financial and emotional issues involved in marriage and divorce.

We were joined by Josepha Madigan, who is Director of Elections on the referendum as well as Culture Minister and solicitor, financial adviser Karl Deeter, Helen Vaughan, psychotherapist with Maynooth Counselling, and faith and social commentator Margaret Hickey.