The Catholic Church in the Republic of Ireland has had to remove the word "crib" from a Christmas advert on Irish state radio station Radio Telefís Éireann (RTE), on the grounds that it could be seen as promoting Christianity.

It was claimed that the word "crib" broke broadcasting regulations that prohibit advertisements promoting religion.

Veritas, the publishing branch of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, has complied with the request and removed the word.

The Church said, however, that it was concerned and disappointed by the request to remove the word from the advert, describing it as "flying in the face of common sense", reports the BBC.

Since the word crib was removed the advert has been broadcast on the radio.

RTE says that a section of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland's code "does not permit advertising directed towards a religious end".

According to the BBC, RTE said that an "issue might arise in relation to promoting the sale of cribs if the BCI were to take the view that the advertising of cribs was 'directed towards religious ends'".