The Dáil is to debate a bill that would greatly speed up the divorce process in Ireland.

A private members’ Bill will be tabled next week.

It will argue that people should only need to be separated for two years – and not the current four – to start divorce proceedings.

The move has the blessing of both the Taoiseach and Minister for Justice.

If it passes, a referendum would be necessary to fully change our divorce laws.

The constitutional ban on divorce in Ireland was eventually lifted in 1996, after a proposal was defeated in a 1986 referendum.