New research from the Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness Behaviour Monitor reveals a mixed picture of preparedness across Ireland. While confidence in personal and government readiness for a future public health emergency has declined since 2024, preparedness among employers and businesses has improved. At the same time, flu vaccination uptake remains steady and awareness of key disease prevention measures is high, suggesting a population that understands the importance of preparedness but is less confident in its ability to respond to future crises.
Commissioned by the Department of Health and conducted by Ipsos B&A as part of an international research programme led by the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the study provides a comprehensive assessment of public attitudes, preparedness behaviours and health-related knowledge across Ireland. The findings are drawn from three nationally representative surveys conducted between September 2024 and October 2025 and published by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD.
The research forms part of the Department of Health’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Ireland’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. By tracking attitudes and behaviours over time and comparing results across Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia, the study provides valuable evidence to support future policy development, public health planning and resilience-building initiatives.
Key Insights from the Research
- Confidence in personal preparedness for a future lockdown fell from 34% in 2024 to 27% in 2025, while the proportion feeling unprepared increased to 35%.
- Perceptions of employer preparedness improved, increasing from 34% to 38% across the study period.
- 40% of respondents reported receiving a flu vaccination in both 2024 and 2025.
- Awareness of disease prevention behaviours and zoonotic disease risks was strong, with more than 90% of respondents correctly identifying several key infection risks and protective measures.
- The findings also highlight opportunities to strengthen preparedness and public awareness in specific areas, helping to inform future public health communications and emergency planning.
About the Study
The Irish findings are based on responses from 3,110 adults across three survey waves:
- September/October 2024: 1,032 respondents
- April 2025: 1,050 respondents
- October/November 2025: 1,028 respondents
Using Ipsos B&A’s nationally representative Acumen Online Panel, the research provides a robust evidence base on how people perceive risks, prepare for emergencies and respond to emerging health threats.
For more details, please contact Kieran O’Leary, Director: kieran.oleary@ipsos.com
