Only One in Five Trusts Government to Be Ready for the Next Pandemic

Only about one in five people in Ireland believed the Government would be prepared for a lockdown if a new pandemic occurred, according to Department of Health research.

Thousands of people took part in surveys conducted in September 2024, April 2025 and October 2025. The reports examined how prepared respondents believed individuals, the Government and wider society would be for another pandemic after Covid-19.

The proportion saying the Government would be well or very well prepared fell from 26% in September 2024 to 22% in October 2025. Across the three waves, roughly 46% said the Government would not be prepared for a lockdown caused by a new virus.

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This research provides valuable insight into how people prepare for emergencies, where gaps remain and how resilience can be strengthened.

Personal confidence also weakened. The share who felt unprepared rose from 32% to 35%, while those who felt well or very well prepared fell from 34% to 27%. Supplies of face masks, disinfectant and soap at home declined from 73% to 59%. People aged 55 and over were more likely to keep such supplies.

Some workplace measures moved in the opposite direction. Among employees, the share who thought their employer was well prepared rose from 34% to 38%. Among self-employed people and business owners, the share saying their business was prepared increased from 42% to 52%, although the share calling their business unprepared also rose from 13% to 34%.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said, "This research provides valuable insight into how people prepare for emergencies, where gaps remain and how resilience can be strengthened." She said the findings would support Ireland’s emergency planning and help the health system respond effectively to future public health threats.

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The findings will support Ireland’s approach to emergency planning and help ensure our health system can respond effectively to future public health threats.