The National Parents' Council has launched its telephone helpline for parents of Leaving Certificate students who receive their results this week.
The service is manned by guidance counsellors and trained volunteers.
The Minister and Department of Education & Science, Mr Dempsey, whose department is partially funding the helpline, said the service was invaluable to parents who may be confused by the huge amount of choice available to students seeking to further their education.
"The range of choices available can contribute to the complexity for students and parents, who must negotiate their way through a complex maze of courses and career options, points calculations and subject requirements," he said.
Last year, over 38,300 students accepted CAO offers, and a further 23,700 entered post-Leaving Certificate courses.
Parents wishing to use the helpline should call 1800-265165 between 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m., Monday to Friday, until August 27th.
The National Parents' Council also has a helpline specifically for parents of children still in school where they can get information on subjects like setting up parent associations, supervision and safety for children, school policy, helping with homework and dealing with bullying.
They can also discuss difficulties over the cost of uniforms, books, transport and other expenses incurred in schooling.
Parents wishing to use this helpline should call 01-8874477 between 10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., Monday to Friday.