Substantial variations in the marks awarded in Leaving Certificate subjects are to be investigated by a top-level Department of Education group, to be set up immediately after this year's results are issued tomorrow.
The group will examine why top grades are apparently much easier to achieve in some subjects than others.
For example, Irish and History are perceived to be much tougher subjects than geography and economics.
Almost 9 per cent of honours maths students achieved an A1 grade last year, compared to only 2 per cent in both honours Irish and honours English.
Another point of contention the group will focus on is the very wide variation in marking standards from year to year. For example, in 1996 some 2.8 per cent of candidates in higher-level engineering received an A grade, but this rose to 11.2 per cent last year.
According to a recent study, this was not because students varied widely in ability, but because of a change in the marking system.
The move comes as more than 60,000 students prepare to receive their results tomorrow. This is the first year students will be able to get their results over the phone by quoting their exam and PIN numbers. The Department of Education service number is 1530 719 808 or, for those abroad, 353 1 2144 303.
Mr John Whyte of the National Parents' Council, however, encouraged students to get their results in person so they can get support from teachers and friends and give support to others.
There is much interest in whether this year's results also contain wide variations in marking. This interest is likely to relate particularly to Irish, where almost 12 per cent failed at ordinary level last year.
The Department decided to set up the group after the wide variations in marks were pointed out in the key Government-sponsored Points Commission report, chaired by Prof Aine Hyland of UCC.
The variations were also noted in a critical report from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
There will also be much interest tomorrow in results achieved in the science subjects, which are being vigorously promoted by the Government. Teacher unions and other education bodies have pointed out that students perceive physics and chemistry as subjects where it is difficult to secure good grades. Over 10 per cent of students failed ordinary level chemistry last year.
The National Parents' Council exam helpline, now in its 11th year, will offer advice and reassurance to students and parents on the results.
The helpline is at 1890 715116.