The traditional notion of a Northern Ireland family has been turned on its head by new Government figures revealing that almost 40% of children born here are outside of marriage — and divorce rates are the second highest on record.
Statistics released from the Department of Finance and Personnel showed that in Northern Ireland last year the number of births increased by 5% to 25,631. Overall, 39% of these births occurred outside marriage. This varied from area to area, with the highest levels in Belfast (57%) and Derry (50%).
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