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: 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.
Debunked: Cows contribute significantly towards climate change, despite claims in viral video
Published: 18 August – by Shane Raymond
A viral video claims that methane from cows has no net effect on global warming because methane breaks down after about 12 years and is part of the natural carbon cycle. While the video correctly explains some aspects of how cattle cycle carbon, experts say its conclusion is wrong: a stable herd can maintain a higher level of methane in the atmosphere, which continues to trap heat. Methane is around 28 times more potent than CO2 over 100 years and accounts for more than a third of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, with ruminant agriculture the main source.
Debunked: Dublin Bus hired from overseas due to a driver shortage, not DEI programmes
Published: 20 August – by Shane Raymond
The allegation that Dublin Bus hired nearly 100 African drivers because of DEI policies is false. The drivers were recruited from South Africa to address staff shortages and expanding services. Dublin Bus said they were qualified professionals who underwent the same assessments and training as other drivers, while the European Commission has warned of a severe shortage of bus drivers across the EU.