Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
576. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the date for publication of the final report by the working group to develop a National Disinformation Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13131/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is intended that the National Counter Disinformation Strategy will be published in Q2 2024.
The development of this national strategy was a recommendation of the Future of Media Commission, which called for a more coordinated and strategic approach to combat the damaging impact of disinformation on Irish society and democracy.
The Working Group tasked with developing the Strategy was established in February 2023. It is independently chaired and comprises representatives from Government Departments, public bodies, industry, academia and civil society, with coordination being provided by my Department.
The Working Group has met monthly since its establishment and has heard from a range of experts in different fields related to disinformation. Three subgroups examined and reported on key issues relating to disinformation, namely: existing countermeasures, the current and emerging regulatory environment and the support of free independent high-quality journalism and the protection of public interest information.
The Working Group held an online public consultation process that ran from 25 September to 20 October 2023. In addition, a stakeholder consultation event was held on 29 November 2023. Drafting of the Strategy is now ongoing with a view to its finalisation in Q2 2024.
More information on the development of the Strategy is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/04f9e-national-counter-disinformation-strategy-working-group/.
