A new survey information shows that Limerick has the highest rate of marital breakdown in the country, which means that there is an increasing need to peacefully negotiate terms of separation, according to the Family Mediation Service.

Pictured at their Henry Street office are Limerick Family Mediation Service staff Jim Sykes, Area Co-ordinator; Yvette O'Malley, Mediator; Maggs Tierney, Administrator and Kaye Ronayne.

The service, which has helped 772 local couples since it opened a centre in the city 10 years ago, allows couples to make agreements on everything from division of assets to visitation arrangements in a non-legal setting.

The service celebrates its 21st year in Ireland this year and has assisted over 14,406 couples in all.

"Although it varies hugely most couples come in for four or five sessions and the process might be over a few weeks or six months. A substantial percentage-over 50%- reach a full agreement and then finalise it with a solicitor. Most of the others reach a partial agreement. The service has been increasing in popularity and we cover Clare and Tipperary too so we have a waiting list."

"We work with many more unmarried couples than 10 years ago and the representation of ethnic groups is now higher. The rise in mixed marriages has brought its own challenges for couples in terms of cultural differences." Mr Sykes urged couples to consider using the service, which has particular advantages for those with children.

"Mediation reduces costs and stress substantially. An adversarial battle can increase conflict and make the whole situation very difficult for children when the prospect of a break-up is already hard," he said.

A survey by the Iona Institute using 20 years of information showed that certain city areas had higher breakdown rates than others with up to 55% of couples in Clare Street splitting up while results showed an up to 45% failure rate in Southill, a 25% failure rate in St. Mary's Park and Ballynanty while Weston had a 15% failure rate.

For more information on the mediation service, see www.fsa.ie or call 061-214310.

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