RTÉ has cracked down on presenters taking time off in a bid to stop the traditional summer staff exodus, but the length of holidays at Montrose is still far in excess of what the average private-sector worker can hope for.

Bosses at the station are keen to avoid too many high-profile presenters being away at the same time, but figures obtained by the Sunday Tribune show that some well-known presenters are still taking up to 13 weeks' holiday time.

Marian Finucane will have nine weeks off from her weekend radio slot from 1 July until 29 August. However, the presenter has already taken four weeks off so far this year.

In February, John Murray covered for her for two weeks while in May Rachael English sat in for Finucane for two weeks.

Finucane is the third highest-paid presenter, earning €570,000 in 2008, according to the most recent figures.

RTÉ has not yet revealed who will cover Finucane's mammoth summer vacation, but its sheer length means that the responsibility will likely be split among a number of presenters.

Management at the state broadcaster comes in for regular criticism each summer for allowing its top talent to disappear together at the same time, often for months on end.

The summer holiday entitlements for many of RTÉ's top names have been compared to the lengthy breaks enjoyed by schoolteachers. However, in these straitened times the focus is now on giving licence payers the maximum value for money.

In contrast to Finucane, early riser Maxi, who presents Risin' Time from 5.30am until 7am, will take only two weeks' holidays towards the end of August, while Derek Mooney will take three weeks off in August.

Joe Duffy will take his annual leave for four weeks during July and August. Mary Wilson, presenter of Drivetime, takes five weeks off in August and September.

Ryan Tubridy will take three weeks away from his Montrose base from 26 July until 13 August. When he returns he will fill the slot vacated after the death of Gerry Ryan with a new show from 9am to 11am. Tubridy will remain on air throughout June on Radio 1.

Pat Kenny has not yet confirmed when he will take his summer leave, but will be replaced by Myles Dungan when he does. Meanwhile, Kathryn Thomas will fill in for Ryan Tubridy, Damien O'Reilly for Joe Duffy, Philip Boucher-Hayes for Mary Wilson, and Brenda Donohoe for Derek Mooney.

According to RTÉ director of communications Kevin Dawson, the station is keen to ensure all the top talent does not desert the station at once.

"Real work has been done here to guarantee that continuity of service, while at the same time giving our presenters reasonable and proper personal and family time off across the season.

"Leave has been spread so that coverage of anchor presenters can be maintained across the summer; in other words, to provide the best available continuity for our listeners," said Dawson.

One presenter who is not listed as taking any holidays is Miriam O'Callaghan, who is simply "on air throughout the summer", according to RTÉ.

She is currently hosting her eight-week-long summer chat show, Saturday Night with Miriam, and also continues in her role as co-presenter of Prime Time.

We're all going on a summer holiday: RTÉ's mass exodus

Ryan Tubridy 26 July— 13 August

Miriam O'Callaghan None planned

Pat Kenny Not known

Marian Finucane 1 July–29 August

Joe Duffy 5–30 July

Mary Wilson 2 August– 3 September

Sean Rocks 30 July–2 August; 23–27 August

Rachael English 15–26 June; 3–14 August

Ruth Buchanan 2–27 August

Derek Mooney 2–20 August

Maxi 2–13 August

Ronan Collins 12–30 July