The Minister for Education and Science, Mr Dempsey, last night congratulated students, parents and teachers on the Junior Cert results. In addition to the 55,474 school candidates, some 1,391 adults on various back to education schemes received results.
This year, the overall numbers sitting the examination are down by 4.3 per cent on last year.
The ASTI president, Ms Susie Hall, described the Junior Cert as an important watershed for students regardless of their background, circumstances or ability.
"One of the great successes of the Junior Certificate is its all-encompassing nature, as evidenced by the growing numbers of non-traditional students taking the exam, including special needs and international students," said Ms Hall.
"The status and currency of this national certification are recognised by parents, educators and the wider community in Ireland and abroad."
However, she expressed concern that many students who sat this year's Junior Certificate have received little one-to-one career guidance from a counsellor.
Getting results: Students will be able to access their examination results online at www.examinations.ie from 4 p.m. today quoting their Personal Identification Number (PIN) and Examination Numbers.
Appeals: Applications for a review of examination results, which must be made through the candidate's school, should be timed to arrive in the State Examinations Commission no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, October 1st. The fee for this service is €30 per subject which will be refunded if a result is upgraded. Results of appeals will be issued in early November.
A grades in higher level papers: The numbers of candidates achieving these grades are:
11 As: 5
10 As: 64
09 As: 263
08 As: 640
07 As: 1,187
06 As: 1,845
05 As: 2,794
04 As: 4,002
03 As: 5,792
02 As: 8,732
01 As: 15,532
The figures are cumulative; the figure for 10 As includes the five candidates who achieved 11As, etc.
Meanwhile, teaching unions have urged publicans and off-licences to exercise vigilance today as students celebrate their Junior Cert results.
The TUI president, Mr Paddy Healy, said that although pubs were acting in a more responsible way, the off-licence trade remained more difficult to police.
Anecdotal evidence showed, he said, that underage drinkers were experiencing more success obtaining alcohol this way. "Older friends and siblings should be sensible enough to refuse outright to purchase alcohol in this way for students. Extreme caution should be used by those who own and work in off-licence businesses and where there is the slightest doubt about age, staff should refuse to serve."
He said the possibility of introducing a mandatory time in the afternoon for the release of results should be examined. Most students will receive their results about 10 a.m. today.
Ms Hall welcomed the efforts of parents, students, teachers and others in organising alcohol-free celebratory events for Junior Certificate students.
"This year's students have every right to celebrate their achievements.
"However, it's vital that the celebrations do not end in tragedy," said Ms Hall.
