While one student managed to secure nine A1s in this year's Leaving Certificate, thousands more may not be as happy with their results.

Today is D-Day, when over 55,500 students around the country will finally discover if their hard work has paid off.

For those who are unhappy or worried about their results, the National Parents Council (Post-Primary) is operating its annual helpline. This is also available to parents with any concerns.

"The Institute of Guidance Counsellors are employed to provide qualified guidance counsellors to give advice and support to both students and their parents," the council explained.

The Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, has sent his congratulations to students, who can collect their results at their schools, by phone or online.

He said he hoped the results received ‘reflect the work and the many hours of study that the students have committed to over the last few years'.

"While our congratulations and good wishes must be focused on the students who receive their exam results today, I also want to pay tribute to you the parents, families, teachers and school communities who have helped them reach this milestone," he added.

The helpline is open from 8am to 7pm today and tomorrow and from 8am to 1pm on Friday. It will also be open from August 19-21 when the first round CAO offers come out.

The number is 1800 265 165.

Meanwhile, parents are being urged to discuss with their children how they plan to celebrate their results.

According to Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), the national charity for alcohol-related issues, while young people should have an opportunity to celebrate this milestone, 'the reality is that for a significant number of young people, their plans will include drinking'.

"Getting your results can be an emotional time and for some, a stressful time, particularly for those who may not have done as well as they had hoped for. If you add alcohol into the mix, this can make an already challenging situation even more difficult for people," explained AAI CEO, Suzanne Costello.

She urged parents to talk to their children about their plans and find out where they are going, with whom and what times they plan to get there and get home.

"Parents must recognise that their child may end up in situations in which they feel uncomfortable or scared as a result of their own or someone else's drinking. It is important to let your child known they can call home without fear of recrimination if they feel unsafe or unwell at any point," Ms Costello insisted.

She added that those who do not plan to drink 'should not be made to feel that they have to drink to celebrate and others should not pressure them to do so'.