The Charities Regulator has said a mural that was painted on the wall of the Project Arts Centre in Dublin had to be removed because it was a political advertisement in relation to the referendum on the Eighth Amendment.
The large Repeal the Eighth mural by artist Maser has been painted over.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News At One, Charities Regulator CEO John Farrelly said charities can only engage in political activity when it directly relates to advancing their own purpose.
He said the mural at the Project Arts Centre was not advancing the charitable purpose of the centre.
"The rules are that you must be clear about what your charitable purpose is. And to be absolutely clear, a political purpose isn't a charitable purpose," he said.
"Now, there is a thin line there, but in Ireland we actively recognise that charities are engaged in political activities and they make a big difference in society. However, that activity must be directly related to their charitable purpose and activity."
The Artistic Director of the centre has said he is disappointed that the mural had to be removed.
Cian O'Brien said the decision was made as the mural was in breach of the 2009 Charities Act.
Speaking on the same programme Mr O'Brien said the artwork had been paid for by a group called 'The HunReal Issues'.
"Because we were collaborating with them, and they are a political body, we were deemed to be in violation of the Charities Act," he said.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has said that the removal of the mural raises concerns about freedom of expression and freedom of association.
In a statement, the ICCL said the move raises a number of questions, including how the regulator defines what is political art and what is not.
The ICCL added that there is a broader issue in Dublin at present regarding the removal of street art.
