Ryan Tubridy has insisted there was no link between his comments about Greta Thunberg's mental well being and her Asperger's.
The RTE host on Tuesday said the teenager should be brought home to "watch a movie", after her speech at the UN Climate Action Summit.
Tubridy spoke of his concern for the 16-year-old activist, who's face was "contorted in pain, in agony and in anxiety".
After receiving backlash online, the TV and radio star attempted to clarify his comments on Wednesday morning.
He said: "Lest there be any confusion about observations, I make them all the time on the programme.
"But in particular to [my comments about] Greta Thunberg's speech to the United Nations, I think there might've been confusion about that there was a pairing of her Asperger syndrome and a mental health illness.
"That was not what was meant to happen and that is not what was intended at all."
He added: "What I was saying with regard to Greta, and this isn't a defence or an apology it's simply a clarification, came from the heart.
"It was a genuine concern for a young person on an amplified stage."
The Late Late Show host's initial comments about the Swedish girl sparked debate on social media.
It followed her impassioned speech on Monday, in which she slammed world leaders for "stealing her dreams and childhood" with their "empty words".
The dad-of-two told his RTE Radio One listeners it wasn't nice to hear he was "shredded online".
And Tubridy added he wanted to make it clear he's a supporter of the climate marches and the young people's movement.
He said: "I'm 46-years-old and apparently I was shredded yesterday online. And that's fine because I'm not on it so I didn't see it.
"But it's not nice when someone says to you... I got a couple of texts and messages from people saying 'God they're doing some desperate things to you'.
"My concern yesterday was for a young person, and her health and well being. That's all.
"I've been a massive supporter of the climate marches. I repeatedly told you (the listeners) that I admired the young people and their movement.
"And their engagement in politics and public affairs which is rare and important and welcome.
"Back to history, back to politics, back to engagement. I love it."
He added: "I get this. Let there be no doubt. I get this.
"And I get the young people who do this. I've great time for young people.
"Never underestimate my love and appreciation for the next generation. Please don't."
