67,000 students will receive their Junior Cert results at 4pm today. 

Speaking to Newstalk, Minister for Education Norma Foley said it was a “positive” day for students. 

“I really do want to congratulate the students,” she said. 

“It’s a great achievement; they have come through a significant State exam and it is a very positive and good day for them. 

“I also want to acknowledge the support that has been provided by parents and families and school staff who support the students and ensure they could successfully arrive at this day today.” 

Pupils start an English paper. Credit: AG News/Alamy Live News

The results are being published much later than usual because of a shortage of examiners available to mark papers - something Minister Foley said she hoped could be avoided next year. 

“Of course, I think we all would have wished that the timing would have been earlier,” she said. 

“But I do accept the State Examination Commission’s view that they had particular challenges this year. 

“Notwithstanding that, there will be a full review by the State Examination Commission looking at things going forward next year and how best accommodations can be put in place to ensure that we’re looking at an earlier time frame at the very least.”

Main image: Students from Loreto College with their Junior Cert Results. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie