PRESS RELEASE

15^th August, 2005

 EXAM HELPLINE 2005 FOR LEAVING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS

FreeFone number 1800 265 165 available from Wednesday, 17^th August

Today Mary Hanafin, Minister for Education & Science, launched HELPLINE 2005 - the National Parents Council Post Primary annual exam helpline.

Sponsored by the Irish Independent, the Department of Education & Science & eircom, the Helpline will operate from 8am on Wednesday 17^th of August and will be staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.

The Helpline is available to approximately 58,000 students due to receive their Leaving Cert results today.  In addition, advice on all 3^rd level courses, the points system, rechecks, apprenticeships and further training will be available.  Our website www.leavingcerthelpline.ie also operates for the duration of Helpline 2005.

It is not only students who can take advantage of this facility.  Guidance Counsellors will gladly answer queries from concerned parents, teachers & friends as well.

During what is a significant period for students, the exam helpline is an important source of guidance and reassurance for students and parents alike.  It is expected that thousands of queries from all over the country will be handled by the helpline.

The hours of the HELPLINE are as follows:

Contact:

Eleanor Petrie NPCpp President 086 2548000

Jim Jackman NPCpp Vice-President 087 4178990

John Walshe Irish Independent 087 2613220

Grainne O Malley eircom 01 7015554 / 087 6620433

ENDS