Internet porn and cyber sex are among the main reasons why marriages in Ireland are breaking down in record numbers. says a Catholic marriage agency.

Accord, the Catholic Marriage Care Service, says 15 percent of couples are in difficulty because of a spouse accessing Internet porn or gambling sites.

Ruth Barror, Accord national director, told the Irish Examiner that "stress levels have gone up and there is more depression among people," she said.

"Financial problems are very much to the fore and a number of people are suffering from Internet problems like pornography, cyber sex and gambling. They are distractions in a relationship, a form of escapism."

Liam Lally, acting director of counseling, said problems surrounding Internet use increased dramatically.

"Some are using the Internet for genuine work purposes but with people bringing work home, particularly for international companies, they are not available for family life," said Lally.

"Online gambling is now quite easy to do at home and people are also getting addicted to playing games. Pornography is also a problem. It is linked with a form of infidelity because a person is getting sexual gratification from the Internet instead of having a relationship with a spouse. When a partner finds out they feel very let down. They take it as a partner rejecting them and turning to cyber sex."

Barror also said that couples needed to be there for each other to have a healthy marriage.

"They need to give each other and themselves time and they have to have fun together, that’s something people forget very quickly," she continued.

"They also need to show appreciation for what they do for one another and talk through difficulties together by communicating."