NILT is an annual cross-sectional survey examining the opinions of the Northern Irish public on a variety of social policy issues. The questions are grouped into modules, some of which change every year. In 2017, a total of 1,203 adults living in Northern Ireland completed face to face interviews and self-completion questionnaires in japan rcs data their own homes. A random sample of addresses was selected from the Postcode Address File and one person from each household, , was subsequently asked to participate in the Survey.
When asked about their general opinion of the UK Armed Forces, a total of 42% of the Northern Irish population had a high or a very high opinion, with only 12% having a low or a very low opinion, and the rest being in between.
Interestingly, a total of 80% of participants indicated that they had never heard of the Armed Forces Covenant.
However, the vast majority agreed with the principles of the Covenant, when asked through scenario-based questions. For example, 66% believed that an ex-soldier should be given priority health treatment or housing if they had significant injuries.