Challenging and more difficult than last year - that's how Mr Brendan Burke, a teacher at the Vocational School, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, described yesterday's Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) paper in construction and manufacturing. Mr Burke was disappointed last year's examiner's report had been "ignored", he said.

"Again the layout was confusing," he said. "The examiner's report noted last year that some students had attempted every single question on the paper because of a lack of clarity - but nothing has been done to rectify this." There were several, variously structured, choices offered in the 29-page combined examination and answer paper.

Mr Burke also said photographs used in question 12 were indistinct, making it difficult for students to answer. Of the 11 students taking the LCA construction and manufacturing exam at Carrick-on-Suir Vocational School yesterday, nine expect to begin full-time work next week, mostly in the building industry. Some have obtained jobs as a direct result of their work experience, Mr Burke said. Yesterday LCA students also took exams in hair care and office skills and retail distribution.