The DFA's 'champagne celebration' during lockdown is once more under the spotlight.
An official report into a champagne reception held by the Department of Foreign Affairs in the summer of 2020 has concluded that a "serious breach" of social distancing rules took place.
The bash, which
occurred amidst strict Covid-related restrictions, was held following Ireland's election to the United Nations Security Council on 17 June, 2020.
As many as 20 senior officials and staff gathered at the Department's headquarters in Iveagh House before posing for a photograph that illustrates individuals standing close together without face coverings.
At the time of the gathering, Ireland was in Phase Two of its initial reopening plan.
During this time, Covid restrictions meant that people were only permitted to meet up with to six other individuals from outside their household.
Last month, a spokesperson for the Department told the
Irish Times that the group in question had been working in Iveagh House when Ireland was elected to the Security Council and reacted in real-time.
“We won in the first round and in a moment of happiness, as the result came in, we briefly let our guard down by celebrating together," they said.
"It was 18 months ago and steps have been taken to ensure lessons have been learned."
Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney
stated that the officials involved "let their guard down".
Coveney, who
did not attend the celebration, also said the Department of Foreign Affairs officials were all "mortified by what happened" and that lessons were learned from the incident.
Published on Monday night (31 January), the DFA's official report into proceedings confirms that a "serious breach" of social distancing guidelines took place, though it notes that the event was unplanned.
"It was a mistake. It should not have happened and, on behalf the Department, I would like to say sorry," said DFA Secretary General Joe Hackett in the report's opening remarks.
"The image of staff celebrating Ireland’s election to the United Nations Security Council has caused offence to the public who were unable to come together at significant moments in their professional and personal lives.
"At that time, many of our fellow citizens were dealing with the devastating impact of the pandemic and grieving the loss of loved ones."
The 18-page document further highlights the numerous sacrifices made by the Irish public throughout the pandemic, observing that the same level of restraint should be expected from Government officials.
"The remarkable level of compliance with public health measures across Irish society throughout the pandemic protected not only the health of individuals but saved the lives of thousands of our fellow citizens," said Hackett.
"The public have a right to expect Government Departments, and their staff, to be equally compliant.
"The nature of the response to the outcome of the vote was wrong. It has caused offence, inflicted reputational damage on the Department and undermined internal morale."
Hackett would go on to underline that "no organised or pre-planned social event took place in Iveagh House on the evening of 17 June", and that then Secretary General Niall Burgess "facilitated a breach of the guidance" by encouraging staff to congregate together for a photograph.
Burgess is said to have provided three bottles of sparkling wine from "personal items kept in his office" that had been purchased at his own expense for the use of gifts.
Hackett has asked Burgess to make a donation in the amount of €2,000 to a charity providing assistance to people affected by Covid-19.
Three additional senior officials involved will make a similar donation of €1,000 each.
"Each of the officials concerned has agreed to do so," noted Hackett.
"I do not intend to take any further action."
You can read the full report
here.
