Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has wished all of those undertaking Leaving and Junior Certificate exams in the coming weeks the very best of luck.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor went on to say that while the exams are an important milestone in a young person’s life, they are not the be-all and end-all of a person’s future.

“As a former school principal, and a mother, I am very well aware of the stress and pressure under which some students put themselves in the run up to, and during, exam time. People sitting exams in the coming weeks should recognise the feelings of nervousness they are experiencing as perfectly natural and should take the necessary steps, like focusing on their breathing before exams, to dispel them.

“There isn’t a person in the country that doesn’t empathise with students at this time of year. While these exams are significant, it must be remembered that there are now many routes available to students to get to where they want to be in life, regardless of these results.

“I wish all of those sitting the exam papers in the coming weeks the very best of luck and would urge them to set out a realistic study timetable for the days ahead and to ensure that they get plenty of rest and take good care of themselves.”