The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has welcomed what it said was a "resounding Yes vote" in the divorce referendum.
The Coalition for Yes - a mixture of NGOs and lawyers - have welcomed the result predicted in an exit poll.
The poll, by Red C for RTÉ and TG4, suggested a majority of 87% have voted in favour of the referendum, with 12% voting against.
The poll had a margin of error of 3% and was conducted in 156 locations.
If passed, the measure would reduce the waiting time for a divorce from four to two years.
It would also move to recognise foreign divorces granted under the civil law of another State.
Buíochas
Speaking at Dublin Castle this afternoon, the culture minister Josepha Madigan thanked everyone who came out to vote in the referendum.
“I just want to say a go raibh míle maith agaibh to all of you who came out and voted for this referendum,” she said.
“It is going to help thousands of Irish people who are suffering from marital breakdown.
“I just want to say buíochas and thank you so much to all of you.”
.@josephamadigan thanks the people of Ireland with a projected 87% yes vote in the divorce referendum. pic.twitter.com/uocvMTkTNV
— Kim Buckley (@KiiimBuckley) May 25, 2019
Executive director of the ICCL, Liam Herrick, said: "Ireland is obliged by European and international human rights law and standards to protect the right to privacy and family life. With this vote, we have taken a huge leap towards protecting the rights of people who need a divorce.
"It will also help to ensure that people who are stuck in dangerous or financially and emotionally distressing situations can be freed from them".
While CEO of One Family, Karen Kiernan, said: "This vote is a big step towards making Ireland a more compassionate and humane place for people going through a divorce.
"We know from our work with families separating that on a practical level it will reduce stress and financial expense for families."
While Eilis Barry of the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) added: "FLAC welcomes the positive result today, this is a much needed step to reduce the pressure on divorcing couples navigating the legal system. However further progress is needed.
"There needs to be serious investment in the area of family law in particular with regards to the provision of legal aid and the much needed overhaul of the family law courts."
And chief executive of the Children's Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward, said: "This referendum was essential to address our punishing divorce laws.
"Children need to be protected during divorce. Our new divorce law and family supports need to be designed with this in mind."
