A well-known broadcaster has labelled the RTE Late Late Show as 'creepy' for a regular crowd feature every week.
Classic Hits 4FM presenter Niall Boylan slammed the Friday night chat show for 'demanding' that the studio audience continue to wear face masks.
He pointed out that the RTE audience are still required to wear a face covering despite it no longer being mandatory in Ireland, including in venues with crowds of tens of thousands of people.
Posting a picture of the fully-masked Late Late Show crowd to Twitter on Friday, the popular DJ wrote: "What actual hell is going on.
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"Full maskless 70k capacity stadiums, tens of thousand seater venues, clubs, bars and everywhere there is no masks but RTÉ #latelateshow still demands [its] tiny audience all [wear] masks.
"At this stage it’s just creepy."
The tweet generated over 3,000 likes and kicked off lots of debate in the comments with many people at home agreeing with the radio host.
However, one pointed out that he could always switch off the TV, writing: "You do realise it's not compulsory to watch it don't you? Let them wear their masks and move on."
The mandatory wearing of masks in the majority of settings in Ireland was lifted on February 28, with only a few settings remaining where face coverings are recommended.
People have been expected to exercise their own judgement and focus on ‘personal responsibility'.
The advice on the Citizens Information website explains: "The legal requirement to wear a face covering will no longer apply.
"You will no longer have to wear a face covering on public transport, in taxis, shops, schools and all other indoor public areas. Staff in hospitality settings will no longer need to wear a face covering.
"It is recommended to continue to use a face covering on public transport and in healthcare settings.
"If you have Covid-19 you have to isolate for 7 days and wear a face mask. If you are 13 years and older you should wear a Medical grade or FFP2 for 10 days. If you are under 12 years you should wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days."
