The wellbeing of over 60,000 students who are receiving their Leaving Cert results today is being supported through a number of measures, the Department of Education has said.

Schools closed in Ireland on March 12 and despite initial plans to still go ahead with the Leaving Cert at a later date in the summer, it was then announced that the Leaving Cert class of 2020 would receive their results based on a calculated grades process.

"The creation of the calculated grades system came about to ensure there would be a mechanism to enable the class of 2020 to progress to work or further and higher education on completion of your second level school experience.

"This is a very different day from what we had anticipated for you, and from what you had planned and dreamed for yourselves. I do appreciate what an especially difficult time you have had over the past six months, and I want to commend you for the patience, courage and resilience you have shown in that time," commented the Minister for Education, Norma Foley.

A total of 60,419 students were due to sit the 2020 Leaving Cert. The department said that the wellbeing of these students will be supported through a number of measures:

-The Leaving Certificate student helpline, which is provided by the National Parents Council post-primary, is available from 11am on September 7. Call 1800 265 165. This helpline will operate until September 16 and is staffed by qualified guidance counsellors. Further details can be found at https://www.npcpp.ie/leaving-cert-helpline

-HSE/HSE-funded service providers will be available to support students through the provision of e-mental health services. See https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/covid-19/minding-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

-Wellbeing resources developed by the National Educational Psychological Service are available at www.gov.ie/leavingcert

-Students with queries about the calculated grades process can contact the CGEO Student Helpline on1800 111 135 or 1800 111 136, from 9am to 4pm, September 7-16. Outside of these hours, queries may be e-mailed to lcsupport2020@education.gov.ie

"This has been a challenging time for students, their families and school communities. However, I do believe what has been created is the fairest possible solution given the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves as we journey together through the Covid-19 pandemic," Minister Foley added.