The details of how standards can be maintained in the system proposed to replace the Junior Certificate are being examined in talks to try resolving a dispute with teachers, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn told the Dáil.

Parents have urged teachers not to disrupt students’ education as they begin industrial action at 500 second-level schools today.

Guidance counsellors were busy yesterday dealing with queries about appealing grades and calculating college points as parents and students summed up their results.

Guidance counsellors say disappointment with today’s results should not mean an end to further study or career aspirations.

EDUCATION Minister Batt O’Keeffe said the Government should consider increased taxes for higher earners, although he is not sure it would make a significant dent in the €4 billion cut being sought in public spending.

THE cold and rain failed to deter about 12,000 people from voicing their anger over education cutbacks outside Leinster House last night.