The Minister for Education, Ms Hanafin, has welcomed new rostering rules at McDonald's fast food chain that prevents Leaving Certificate students from working during the school week.
The move is designed to address concerns about the effect weekday shifts were having on exam performance.
Ms Hanafin said part-time working while at school is not of itself a negative, highlighting recent ESRI research that showed up to 60 per cent of Leaving Certificate students have a regular part-time job.
But she said: "While there are advantages for both students and employers it is very important to balance this with the need to protect students' long term best interests."
The restaurant chain estimates it employs some 500 fifth- and sixth-year students in its 71 restaurants in the Republic.
A spokeswoman for McDonald's said the chain had undertaken not to roster current or prospective employees who are preparing for their Leaving Certificate on weekdays during school term.
Employees who are preparing for their Leaving Certificate exams will continue to be allowed to work at weekends and during school holidays, she added.
