Some 64,330 students will receive their Junior Certificate results later.

Provisional statistics show more than 4,000 students who sat the higher-level history paper did not pass it.

They got an 'E' grade or lower. This would give it one of the highest fail rates for any subject.

The position of history in the curriculum has recently changed, after Education Minister Joe McHugh moved to make it mandatory for all future junior cycle students.

New specifications for science and business studies were examined for the first time in 2019.

Next year, students doing Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and visual art will be examined on the new specifications for these subjects for the first time.

Minister McHugh has congratulated students.

He said: "Congratulations to everyone on your achievements in Junior Cycle and best of luck.

"These last few years in school will have given you a solid foundation for your future studies.

"And it should be remembered that results day is just one day of many in your continuing education.

"I would like to thank all the teachers, principals, school staff, the mothers and fathers and guardians who have been a steady hand as young people prepared for their exams."

The date of the results is also later than typically available in previous years.

This is as a result of reforms of the Leaving Certificate appeals process, which was reduced from eight weeks to five.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has decided to change the day of issue of the results from Wednesday to Friday.

Candidates can also access their results online from 4.00pm on Friday on www.examinations.ie

Results can be appealed, but this request should be received by the SEC no later than 5.00pm on Friday, October 11th.

This will cost a fee of €32.00, which will be refunded in the event that a result is upgraded.

"Zero tolerance approach"

Meanwhile Gardaí are urging students and their parents to be mindful about the dangers of drinking and taking drugs.

"Many teens will be in high spirits as they head out to celebrate with their friends this evening and it is our hope that each and every one of them has a safe and enjoyable night", An Garda Síochána says.

"We are asking everyone to take a few simple precautions to ensure this: Have a plan for the evening. How are you getting home? Are you taking a taxi, getting a lift or staying with a friend?

"Be mindful of your property. Keep your phone, wallet or purse on you at all times.

"If you find yourself in a scenario and sense there could be trouble, walk away.

"Call the Gardaí immediately if you feel the situation is getting out of hand."

Additional Gardaí will be patrolling from early Friday evening, and will be in uniforms and plain clothes.

Officers will be adopting "a zero tolerance approach" to anyone found behaving in an anti-social manner.

Dr Bobby Smyth, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, has practical advice for parents.

"Parents are one of the biggest influences on a child's attitude to alcohol.

"Teenagers need their parents to steer them in the right direction, which means having conversations about the risks and reasons to avoid alcohol.

"The upcoming Junior Cert results night is an opportunity to highlight some of the risks and ways to stay safe.

"Also, it is so important to let your child know that they can always call you, no matter what.

"They need to feel they can safely call you if they, or a friend, gets into trouble."