Sponsorship credits on all RTÉ radio and television programmes will be reviewed within the next few days to ensure they conform to advertising and sponsorship codes.
The move follows a ruling by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC) that the sponsorship credit for the Eircom directory inquiries service, 11811, on the television weather programmes on RTÉ, TV3 and TG4 advertised the product.
This was contrary to legislation which stated that sponsorship credits should not advertise the product. They should be distinct from advertisements and not include direct encouragement to purchase a product or service or promote their attributes.
The BCC ruling stated: "The commission was of the opinion that the broadcast piece in question was an advertisement and not a sponsorship credit. It clearly encourages the purchase of an Eircom service, 11811, and promotes aspects of that service."
At the weekend, RTÉ removed the 11811 sponsorship credit from the weather programme and replaced it with another Eircom product.
Mr Peter Feeney, head of public affairs policy in RTÉ, said they would not be broadcasting the 11811 credit for the moment. However, Eircom would continue the sponsorship with other products. RTÉ would be talking to Eircom to see if they could produce a new credit for phone lines.
"Although the ruling is about only one product, the same principle could apply to other credits and so we are reviewing the sponsorship credits on all our television and radio programmes. It will take place in light of the ruling to see if other sponsorships conform," he said.
The legislation said that sponsorship must not be "a call to purchase goods", he added.
Sponsorship credits on RTÉ programmes include Renault for the Late Late Show, Paddy Power for racing and the Sunday Times for weekend sport.