28 February 2024 Today European Movement Ireland appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on EU affairs to discuss the upcoming European elections and the importance of combatting disinformation online. The presentation provided the opportunity to discuss the organisation’s new research to be published next week which examines online discourse regarding migration, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and the role of Government in housing in Ireland, among other matters.
Appearing before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on EU affairs, Noelle O’Connell CEO of European Movement Ireland said;
‘This June, the European elections will set the direction of the EU for the next five years. We were delighted to present before the committee today to discuss the significant challenge disinformation poses for democracy and our research.
At EM Ireland, we are committed to helping people understand disinformation and how we can combat it, this is of vital importance as we face into the EU elections.”
The EMI Ireland Disinformation Research Project established in 2023 examines the impact of online disinformation on discussions relating to EU issues. The research is conducted by following common themes and narratives across social media, to gain an understanding of how these topics are being framed and developed online in Ireland.
The results of the research will be used to develop tailored awareness campaigns and support EM Ireland’s work in media literacy. Furthermore, it is intended to act as a useful tool for stakeholders and those working in EU affairs. European Movement Ireland will host a range of events and information awareness campaigns in the lead up to the European elections this June.
EM Ireland’s Disinformation Research Project will be published next Thursday 7 March.