Fine Gael has launched its campaign calling for a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming Divorce Referendum.
Director of Elections Josepha Madigan said the current four-year wait period before someone can even apply for a divorce puts an enormous toll on many people.
Under the Constitution as it stands a couple can only divorce if they have lived apart for four years out of the previous five.
If the referendum is passed the Oireachtas will then have the power to decide that time period.
Fine Gael has secured cross-party support for the referendum proposals.
Ms Madigan said couples are left in limbo under the current law: "They are often caught in a long-drawn out court process that only serves to increase acrimony in the long run.
"Family relationships become further strained, often beyond repair. This surely cannot be acceptable in modern Ireland."
However, concerns have been raised about putting the time period for divorce into the hands of the Oireachtas.
Director of the Iona Institute, David Quinn, said divorce should not be made quick and easy for a couple because of the legal commitment they have entered into.
He said if the text is removed completely from the Constitution it could result in future governments reducing the time period for divorce even further.
The vote will take place on Friday 24 May - the same day as the local and European elections.
Read More:
A guide to the issues in the Divorce Referendum
Divorce in Ireland - A controversial history
