Helpline launched for Leaving Cert results

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has officially launched the annual helpline for Leaving Cert pupils receiving their exam results later this week.

More than 50,000 students around the country will receive their results on Wednesday.

The helpline - 1800 265 165 - will open at 10am that morning and will be staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.

It will provide advice and information on all third-level courses, the points system, re-checks, repeats and CAO procedures.

Meanwhile a leading alcohol awareness group has urged students to celebrate their results in a responsible manner.

"For those students whose celebrations involve some alcohol, remember to drink responsibly on your night out," Fionnuala Sheehan, drinkaware.ie chief executive commented.

"If you are meeting up with friends to celebrate the results and have a few drinks, the message is to plan ahead, eat before you go out, pace yourself and remember to drink plenty of water", added Sheehan.

"For students that are unhappy with their results, remember there is plenty of advice out there about what to do next. Drinking to excess in this situation will only serve to make you feel worse, not better."