Through the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU supports a European network of factcheckers, including TheJournal in Ireland. For a monthly roundup of European factchecks, visit the main EDMO website. Here, we highlight recent pieces 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.