In a report entitled "Boys lag behind girls in certificate exams" in yesterday's editions, the figures cited for students' performance in the Leaving Certificate refer to 1996, not 1997, as was reported.

Where errors occur it is the policy of The Irish Times to correct or clarify as soon as practicable.

Readers may contact the Readers' Representative's Office by telephoning 01-679-2022 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Outside these times they may contact the Duty Editor.