The excessive load on Leaving Cert students in the first week of their exam has been lifted, according to the timetable for the 2005 exam circulated yesterday.
After complaint from teachers, parents and students, higher- level exam candidates will no longer be asked to spend six hours and 40 minutes in the exam hall in the one day.
The Minister for Education and Science, Ms Hanafin, has also expressed concern about the practice where students would take two exams - of three hours and 20 minutes duration- in the one day.
The timetable for June 2005 is much more staggered than in previous years. Exams begin with English on Wednesday June 8th and end with some minority subjects on Friday June 24th.
In response to public concerns, the State Exams Commission has staggered the times of some exams in higher-level Irish, English, history, geography which run for three hours and 20 minutes.
The commission has also decided to schedule music and engineering at different times. There were complaints last year when some students who had opted for both subjects had to remain in exams halls until 8 p.m.
The Junior Cert exams also begin on Wednesday, June 8th, but they finish on Thursday, June 23rd, 2005.
The exam fees this year are €90 for the Leaving Cert, €86 for the Junior Cert and €236 for repeat Leaving Cert candidates.
Meanwhile, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has urged students to ensure they have a safe and healthy Christmas.
A five-point guide for students has been posted on the USI's website urging students to take the necessary precautions during the festive period.
The five USI rules are:
r Drink sensibly and watch your drink;
r Don't walk home alone and keep an eye on your friends;
r Always carry a condom to avoid unprotected sex;
r Look after your mental health, and
r Avoid spending all your money and getting into debt.
USI's welfare officer, Ms Layne Aston, said: "It is important during this period that students do not forget that their safety is the most important thing. Christmas is also a time when many lose their sexual inhibitions.
"Make sure you always carry a condom and avoid unprotected sex," Ms Aston continued.
"With recent statistics showing that cases of sexually transmitted infections continue to rise, it is important you do not receive such an unwelcome Christmas present."
