RTÉ stars apologize for social distancing gaps at ‘impromptu’ meeting in Montrose

RTÉ AND SOME of its top stars have apologized after being present at a gathering in Montrose where social distancing was not fully observed and the presenters posed for photographs.

News anchors Bryan Dobson, David McCullagh and Miriam O’Callaghan were among those who apologized after they were photographed without masks at the meeting.

The meeting took place on the last day of work for a longtime employee, with the aforementioned presenters and RTÉ News managing director Jon Williams each posing for photographs.

A report on what happened on the cover of The Irish Sun newspaper this morning.

RTÉ said in a statement that it was a “short impromptu meeting in a public area” and that “a small number of RTÉ staff who work attended.”

RTÉ News has reported on the apologies and posted some of the photos on its website.

Williams said he was “not thinking” about his actions.

“I deeply regret that I did not think about the consequences of a momentary lack of judgment. It was bad and I’m very sorry, ”he said.

Dobson said: “I deeply regret what was a momentary but nevertheless serious lapse of judgment for which I unreservedly apologize.”

McCullagh apologized for “an error in judgment that I deeply regret” and O’Callaghan made similar comments.

“I am very sorry, I deeply regret and apologize for an error in judgment on my part,” he said.

Wlliams (C) said he was “not thinking” when the picture was taken.

In a statement about the incident, the broadcaster said that “RTÉ takes public health advice very seriously and has implemented detailed protocols in the workplace.”

The broadcaster added that no cases of Covid-19 had been “transmitted so far on campus” during the pandemic.

About the meeting itself, RTÉ said that most of what happened adhered to the guidelines.

“Although a general social distancing was observed and in accordance with the protocols of the RTÉ site, as shown by the photos in today’s press, several of those present briefly posed for a photo with their outgoing colleague, before returning to work. ”Said RTÉ.

These contacts were not close contacts as defined by the HSPC guidelines. They were brief casual contacts that, while well-intentioned, were unnecessarily risky and shouldn’t have happened.

“RTÉ and those involved regret that this has happened. In the last few days, we have reminded all staff of their obligations to maintain security for both themselves and the site, especially during the very busy weeks we are heading to. “

In August, RTÉ said it would not pursue future plans for projects with its former broadcaster Seán O’Rourke due to his attendance at the infamous Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden.