Part-time work is a key factor in the under-performance of boys in exams, a leading teachers' union said today.
Girls again outshone boys in this year's Leaving Certificate results, while more boys are failing in vital subjects such as maths.
Although girls generally surpass boys worldwide, secondary level teachers' union Asti believes the trends give cause for concern in Ireland.
Union general secretary John White said there were a number of factors affecting the performance of boys, particularly part-time employment.
"About 60 per cent of Leaving Certificate students now work part-time and the majority of these are male," he said. "In addition, male students who work part-time are more likely to work longer hours and to engage in weekday work."
The Asti and business leaders' group Ibec have asked employers not to allow second level students work during term time in exam years.
Class size, the amount of one-to-one interaction between students and teacher, and access to guidance counsellors were among the other main factors affecting performance.
More money is needed in schools to tackle the issues, said Mr White. Ireland is presently ranked 21 in a table of 27 developed countries in terms of funding per second level student.
He added: "There is a need for comprehensive research into the content and structure of exams and examination papers in order to determine barriers to achievement for boys."
But Mr White stressed young people in Ireland, including boys, are still doing very well by international standards.