asked the Minister for Education if Intermediate and Leaving Certificate examination papers will be corrected and the results published without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Arrangements for the marking of candidates' answer books and the provision of the results are being made in accordance with the usual procedures.

Can I take it that there will be no delay in the completion of the examination of papers and in the publication of the Intermediate and Leaving Certificate results?

That is in accordance with the facts.

Can the Minister give an approximate date for the publication of results?

The date will be the usual one for the publication of the results of the Intermediate and Leaving Certificates.

Would the Minister not agree that the usual dates for the publication of these results is late in the context of the requirements of school leavers as regards applications for jobs?

That is a separate question.

Would the Minister take steps to shorten the period from the end of the Intermediate and Leaving Certificate examinations to the time of publication of results?

There will be no delay in the marking of the papers and the publication of results.