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File photo of soldiers in the Irish Army. alamy
The Daily Poll
Should Ireland offer paid gap years for teenagers in the army?
The UK is planning a similar move.
THERE ARE REPORTS today that the UK is going to offer paid gap years for teenagers in the army.
The scheme will expand to more than 1,000 young people recruited per year for placements of up to two years.
It mirrors similar moves by Germany and France who are introducing limited forms of military service as they to bolster their defence.
Defence matters have of course dominated debate this year, with Senator Tom Clonan writing for this site yesterday that 2025 has seen “unprecedented discussion” in Ireland around our national defence and neutrality.
Gap years are of course more of a tradition for our neighbours, but leaving that aside, it’s likely to provoke debate over whether similar measures may be worthwhile elsewhere.
So, should Ireland a leaf from our neighbours’ books and introduce a paid gap year for teenagers here?
Poll Results:
Yes (5795)
No (2642)
Not sure/no opinion (721)
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