High failure rates in ordinary-level maths and in several language subjects are the most striking features of this year's Junior Cert results, writes Seán Flynn, Education Editor
More than 7 per cent of students failed ordinary-level maths while over 14 per cent failed ordinary-level French.
The number gaining honours in maths is also down by 7 per cent, from 80 per cent last year to 73 per cent this year.
These figures will be seen as more evidence of what has been called the "crisis" in maths. About 5,000 Leaving Cert students failed maths this year. Many are now ineligible for the vast majority of third-level courses.
Failure rates across a range of ordinary-level subjects were high. These included: Italian (15 per cent), German (8.5 per cent), technical graphics (10 per cent) and Irish (6 per cent).
Failure rates at ordinary level were very high in some minority subjects. More than 41 per cent failed Latin, while over one-third failed classical studies. The honours rate - the numbers securing grade C or higher in higher-level papers - is broadly consistent with last year.
More than 81 per cent of students gained honours in Irish, marginally up on last year. The 77 per cent honours rate in English is slightly down on last year.
Grades were exceptionally high in subjects such as religious education - which was examined for the second time this year - and in civic, social and political education (CSPE). More than 80 per cent secured honours in religious education, while over 85 per cent gained an honour in CSPE.
Overall, the results tend to contradict the general view that the Junior Cert is a much "easier" exam than the Leaving Cert.
With some exceptions, the honours rate in most Junior Cert subjects is broadly similar to that in the Leaving Cert exam.
This is particularly the case in core subjects such as Irish, English and maths, and popular subjects like French and business.
The Junior Cert is regarded by parents as an important "staging post" to the Leaving Cert, but it is unloved by educationalists, who regard it as a mirror image of the Leaving exam.
The refashioned Junior Cert is likely to see a much greater focus on continuous assessment and project work.
Mr Paddy Healy, the TUI president, expressed the hope that students would celebrate their results in a safe and dignified way.
"We are urging publicans and especially those in the off-licence trade to be extra-vigilant over the next few days," he said.
The Assistant Garda Commissioner, Mr Al McHugh, who is responsible for policing in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, has said gardaí will be running a "special operation" in Dublin which will pay special attention to areas where gardaí think drink might be sold to under-age persons.