A record number of couples are availing of marriage counselling services, according to Accord, the Catholic marriage care service.

Last year, Accord saw an 8% increase in demand by couples for the agency's marriage counselling services.

The agency is attributing the rise to a variety of factors, including a year-on-year increase in couples listing financial problems as a source of conflict in their relationships, and communication difficulties.

Accord also identifies internet misuse as the fastest growing area of concern in marriages, with a 20% increase last year.

That represents an overall rise of 125% since the agency began compiling statistics in this area in 2007.

Accord says the figures show the intense pressure marriages are under nowadays and it is encouraging couples to invest as much time in their relationships as they do in their jobs, homes and hobbies.

The organisation launched its annual report for 2010 today.