Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I mentioned, it arises from the White Paper on Defence in 2015. I understand it is based on a programme from New Zealand. It is entirely voluntary. There are no penalties imposed for non-participation in the scheme. It is a ten-week training programme. Essentially, it involves five weeks of training delivered by the Defence Forces and then five weeks of education and training, which is delivered by the local education and training board.

The feedback from participants has been positive. I do not see why the Deputy would suggest that potentially joining the Defence Forces is a bad career option. In my view, it is a good one for those who may be interested in it.

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