RTE is facing major backlash after revealing plans to broadcast one of their shows live from a Dublin hospital amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On Sunday veteran broadcaster Claire Byrne announced that her RTE One show Claire Byrne Live would be broadcast from the Mater Hospital as cases continue to spiral across the country.
However, the national broadcaster has faced calls to axe the show with many saying the broadcast is inappropriate given the level of infection in the country and continued calls for people to stay at home.
A post written on the Claire Byrne Live Twitter account was also met with fiery backlash from social media users over the weekend who felt the move was unnecessary.
It read: "We'll be broadcasting live from outside Dublin's Mater Hospital tomorrow.
"As the crisis worsens, Claire will hear from doctors, nurses, porters and other heroes on the Covid frontline."
Speaking on her radio show Claire added today that the broadcast is taking place with the "full cooperation" of the Mater Hospital.
Fine Gael senator John MacGahon described the move as "ghoulish" adding a "rethink is most certainly needed."
One angered viewer wrote: "I don't think this is a good idea. It's like sending Caitriona Perry to the Derry Guild Hall at the height of the last lockdown. Totally unnecessary. Lead by example. Stay at home. Stop transmission by stopping contact."
Another wrote: "Why are you camping outside a hospital in the midst of a pandemic? Makes no sense."
Writer and activist Joanne O'Riordan added: "This is... not good! Risking a lot of lives and a lot of contacts to prove a point that’s common knowledge."
RTE has been contacted for comment.
