Why wait 4 years for divorce?

Why do we have to wait over 4 years before we can get a divorce in Ireland?

This is a very relevant question especially considering our pro European vote for the recent Lisbon Treaty. Many would say the same rights should prevail across Europe while others, including ourselves constantly seek derogation from certain aspects of European policy and law. The length of time before one can obtain a divorce varies depending on the EU state you live in. For instance, it is 6 years in France compared to 1 year in Spain.

However, a greater case for reform can be made when we consider the effective waiting period for divorce in a no fault system like our own and where there is consent between the parties. In this scenario the results are as follows:

Belgium.............no waiting period
Bulgaria.............no waiting period
Czech Rep..........no waiting period
Hungary.............no waiting period
Netherlands.........no waiting period
Poland...............no waiting period
Sweden..............no waiting period

Austria..............6 months waiting period
Denmark............6 months waiting period
Finland..............6 months waiting period

Germany............1 year waiting period
Portugal.............1 year waiting period
Spain................1 year waiting period

UK...................2 year waiting period
Italy.................3 year waiting period
Greece..............4 year waiting period
Ireland..............4 year waiting period
France..............6 year waiting period