Through the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU supports a European network of fact-checkers, including TheJournal in Ireland. For a monthly roundup of European fact-checks, visit the main EDMO website. Here, we highlight recent fact-checks by TheJournal FactCheck team.
Debunked: Anthony Fauci did not say that Covid was nothing more than the common flu
Published: 7 August – by Shane Raymond
False allegations on social media said Anthony Fauci admitted Covid was “nothing more than the common flu” during a Senate hearing. In reality, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment rights, and the hearing contained no such statement; references to “flu” concerned influenza and vaccines.
FactCheck: OECD to remove bogus statistic that tourism in Ireland fell by 32%
Published: 10 August – by Shane Raymond
The 32% drop in tourism between 2019 and 2025 is based on a misleading comparison of two different CSO surveys. The OECD has agreed to correct the figure, which does not show a real decline in visitor numbers. Other indicators, including Dublin Airport passenger figures, instead suggest tourism activity increased over the period.
Debunked: The government’s strategy for women is not a campaign to discourage homemakers
Published: 14 August – by Shane Raymond
Claims that the government’s women and girls strategy is a campaign against stay-at-home mothers are unfounded. While the strategy briefly mentions “tradwife” influencers in the context of harmful gender stereotypes, neither the strategy nor its action plan seeks to discourage homemaking. The government says the policy is intended to support women’s freedom to choose between caring at home, working, or combining both.
Debunked: Government adviser Ebun Joseph is being widely misquoted in comments about Irish language
Published: 14 August – by Shane Raymond
Posts accused government adviser Ebun Joseph of calling for the Irish language to be abandoned. Her full comments show she was discussing whether all teachers should be required to speak Irish, particularly amid teacher shortages, rather than arguing against the language itself. Joseph later clarified that her proposal was to use non-Irish-speaking teachers while improving Irish education.
