Parents and teachers last night urged students to celebrate their Junior Cert results responsibly.
The ASTI president, Mr Pat Cahill, said students should celebrate their results in a "reasonable and courteous manner".
"It is understandable and right that students should celebrate their achievements. However it is important that all those involved in such celebrations - including students, parents and publicans - be vigilant so as to ensure the day does not end in tragedy."
The TUI president, Mr Derek Dunne, said: "Publicans and off-licences have a clear responsibility to apply the law and ensure that alcohol is not sold to students who, by definition, are under-age."
The parents' group CSPA (Congress of Catholic Schools Parents' Associations) said Junior Cert celebrations were growing more adult-like each year. It urged parents to be more involved in what was going on tonight.
Its spokeswoman, Ms Barbara Johnston, said: "Perhaps as parents we should be asking what is an appropriate way for 15-year-olds to celebrate. Should they be permitted to be out very late, drink very heavily or be dressed inappropriately?"
The general secretary of the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA), Mr Michael Moriarty, said schools should consider releasing results later in the day.
"School-organised functions in the evening may be one way to prevent the worst excesses that unfortunately frequently accompany the Junior Cert exam results."
Applications for review of examination results must arrive in the State Examinations Commission no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, September 26th. The fee for this service is €26.50 per subject, which will be refunded in the event that a result is upgraded.
It is planned to post the results of all applications for review in early November.
