RTÉ has expressed regret about offence caused to viewers by the performance of comedian Tommy Tiernan on The Late Late Show last Friday week.
In a reply to viewers who complained about the item, it said "it is quite clear to us that the remarks he made about the Catholic Church have caused offence. RTÉ regrets having caused this offence."
It also said that "some of the language used by Mr Tiernan is to be regretted in a show broadcast in this time slot".
But it pointed out that Mr Tiernan was a comedian who specialised in satire and that it was almost inevitable in satire that the fine line between humour and offence could be easily crossed.
"RTÉ recognises that Mr Tiernan's performance on The Late Late Show may have crossed that line in a manner which was unacceptable for some viewers. The Late Late Show attracts a wide audience with varying expectations," it said.
It added, however, that "the Catholic Church plays a major part in public life in Ireland. It is inevitably a subject which comedians are likely to include in their repertoire when satirising contemporary society".
"It is RTÉ's view that satire is legitimate and plays an important role in society as a vehicle which holds up to examination all aspects of life. The inclusion of the Catholic Church in Tommy Tiernan's performance is therefore not exceptional."
It is understood RTÉ received over 300 phone calls and e-mails complaining about the comedian's performance, as well as a number of letters. Most of the complaints were by phone, with a small number by e-mail. This has been interpreted at the station as representing a middle-Ireland, "not out-and-out reactionaries" but those recognised internally as "RTÉ's strongest base", as one source put it.
Three complaints have also been lodged with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.
Mr Tiernan's performance was described as bordering "on blasphemy", by the spokesman for Ireland's Catholic bishops, Mr Martin Long.
His objection to the item centred on the use of bad language, the disrespect showtowards others' beliefs, and a dismissive and denigratory attitude towards religious figures, "none of which was challenged by the presenter".
