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RTÉ has apologized after several members of its staff and announcers were photographed side by side at a “short and impromptu” party.
RTÉ staff were seen posing for photos and standing side by side without masks or covers.
The event took place on November 15 when Ireland was on Level 5 of the Living with Covid restrictions.
During level 5, all social gatherings are prohibited.
In a statement, the station says that social distancing was observed at all times and that the brief contacts between people, while taking the photos, were “well intentioned” and “unnecessarily risky.”
Stars like Miriam O’Callaghan, David McCullagh, and Bryan Dobson, as well as RTÉ News CEO Jon Williams, have apologized for their part.
In a statement released by the station, Williams said: “I deeply regret that I did not think about the consequences of a momentary lack of judgment. It was wrong and I am very sorry.”
Prime Time host Miriam O’Callaghan also apologized for “an error in judgment on my part.”
David McCullough of Six One News and Brian Dobson of Radio 1 have also issued statements in which they both apologized for a “serious error of judgment.”
RTÉ said it shouldn’t have happened and has reminded staff of their obligation to follow public health advice.
The National Union of Journalists requests a review of the evening’s event.
Séamus Dooley, NUJ’s Irish Secretary, this morning requested the RTÉ Trade Union Group to seek a meeting with the collective group of employers and employees Covid 19 within the organization.
In a statement, he said: “As a union representing the workers in the building, we believe that the Covid committee should examine all aspects of this meeting and put measures in place to ensure that such egregious violations do not occur again.
“RTÉ needs to examine all aspects of its management of Covid 19.”
Mr. Dooley added that while he appreciates RTÉ’s apology, the incident should not have happened.
“I recognize that throughout the organization, RTÉ workers at all levels have faced the enormous challenges posed by Covid 19.
“It would be a mistake if exceptional errors in judgment took away that work from everyone at RTÉ, including senior management.”
And he added: “That is why we seek an urgent review, so that lessons can be learned.”
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