Nearly 71,000 students received their Junior Cert results on Wednesday.
Education Minister Norma Foley said 629,189 grades were given out across 21 individual subjects to the 70,727 candidates.
This was the second year students sat the reformed Junior Cycle - which means apart from Irish, English and Maths all other subjects are now at Common level.
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Minister Foley said: “On this momentous occasion for the 70,727 students receiving Junior Cycle examinations results, I would like to send my sincere congratulations and good wishes to all.
“Through the energy and dedication you have applied to your school lives to date, you have attained a great deal of knowledge and developed a myriad of talents, skills, and ambitions which will pave the way as you embark on the next stage of your education journey.”
The Fianna Fail deputy continued: “I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best for those exciting next steps that lie ahead.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to recognise and thank your families, teachers, and school communities for the many ways in which they have worked to guide and support you towards reaching this milestone today.
“Thanks are also due to the State Examinations Commission and all of those who have been involved in completing the examination process.”
Special Education Minister Josepha Madigan added: “I would like to send congratulations to each and every student receiving results today (Wednesday), particularly those with special educational needs.
“You have put in the hard work to get to this point and have so much to celebrate as you reflect on all you have achieved and look forward to all that lies ahead.
“Today is a significant day not only for thousands of students across the country but also for their families, teachers, Special Needs Assistants, and other members of our school communities watching students receiving the results of their first State Examinations.
“Thank you for the important part you have played in helping to empower the next generation through education.”
ASTI President Geraldine O’Brien said: “To all the students getting their results today, you have reached an important education milestone and your teachers are very proud of you.
"Your experiences, efforts, and learning will provide a sound basis on which to progress your future studies and your life after completing school.
“The Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert examinations enjoy a high level of public trust. Students are assured of being treated fairly and objectively.
“The exams process also protects the student-teacher relationship which is at the heart of the Irish school system. OECD research demonstrates that 15-year-olds in Ireland perform very well when compared to their international counterparts. They are amongst the top in the world for reading literacy and well above average for maths and science.”
The Department of Education said the overall number sitting Junior Cycle examinations has increased by five per cent compared with 2022 and the proportion of candidates who are re-entrants to education has risen from 0.3% of the cohort in 2022 to 0.4% in 2023.
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