The Catholic Bishops have strongly protested that their agency, Veritas, had to drop the word 'crib' from a radio advertisement before RTÉ would broadcast it.
They called the move an affront to Christians.
But RTÉ has denied banning the ad, saying it advised Veritas to clarify with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland whether its prohibition of advertising 'directed towards religious ends' applied to cribs.
Following their winter meeting in Maynooth, the Bishops issued a statement expressing concern and disappointment at the editing of Veritas' first ever RTÉ ad campaign, which coincides with the run up to Christmas.
They said the removal of the word crib from the ad is both an affront to Christians and belies common sense in the context of Irish society and culture.
RTÉ denied that it had banned the word. Station spokesman Peter Feeney said over a month ago its copy clearance committee concluded that an issue might arise if the BCI considered that promoting the sale of cribs was directed towards religious ends, and therefore prohibited under its code.
RTÉ's committee advised Veritas to clarify the situation with the BCI.
It also said Veritas could alter the script, which it did, and it was then cleared for broadcast.
RTÉ understands that Veritas did not approach BCI with the matter, and says it continues to be willing to broadcast the original ad if BCI approval is given.
