The Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran said: "I regret any hurt that may have been caused either by what I actually said or by how it was presented by others.
"I referred in the interview to the way in which the Children and Family Relationships Bill sets out to broaden the legal definition of parents (and systematically removes the words 'mother' and 'father' from previous legislation.
"In that context I commented that people who have children are not necessarily parents."
His apology came as Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin refused to say whether Bishop Doran retained his confidence in discussing same sex issues following the bishop's controversial interview with Newstalk Radio earlier this week.
However, in a statement Archbishop Eamon Martin did reaffirm the Catholic bishops' opposition to a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum on May 22nd.
On Monday, speaking to Newstalk radio, when Dr Doran was questioned if he believed being born gay was God intended, he said: "That would be to suggest that if some people who are born with Down syndrome or Spina Bifida, that that was what God intended either."
Dr Doran also questioned whether gay people in Ireland who already have children could be classed as parents: "They may have children, but that's the point, people who have children are not necessarily parents," he said.
A Red C poll last month found that while a large majority of 77% support same-sex marriage, almost half of Irish voters - 46% - have "some reservations" over the issue.
