“RTÉ acknowledges that a number of viewers were offended by elements of the Waterford Whispers sketch segment in the RTÉ One New Year’s Eve countdown programme. 

RTÉ recognizes that matters which can cause offence naturally differ from person to person, within comedy and satire in particular.  Having reviewed the feedback and complaints received up to this point (c. 600*), RTÉ wishes to apologise to those who were offended by the segment. The formal complaints received by RTÉ are being entered into our complaints system and will be responded to in accordance with the relevant statutory process.”

Updated (11.01.21)

“Since Friday (1st January 2021), RTÉ has received approximately 5,328 emails and 1,540 calls regarding the Waterford Whispers sketch segment in the RTÉ One New Year’s Eve countdown programme. This takes into account emails to RTÉ’s Complaints and Information Offices, as well as calls to RTÉ’s Information Office and to RTE’s main reception.”