Junior Cert geography higher and ordinary level:An "obvious unfairness" marred what were otherwise "relevant and student-friendly" papers in both higher and ordinary level geography.

While students at higher level were presented with a paper full of colour photographs and diagrams, the ordinary level students had to make do with black and white.

"There was a black and white map of Limerick city on the ordinary level paper which has to be more difficult to read," said ASTI subject representative Jack Keane. "When they're used to reading colour maps and diagrams it seems unfair, especially to the weaker students."

Dr Tom Hunt, a TUI subject representative, expressed surprise that the Department of Education "would allow such a thing".

Otherwise both higher and ordinary papers were welcomed. A question on rivers at higher level would have been popular with students, said Mr Keane.