The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has closed down one of the service providers behind a series of abortion-related automated phonecalls.

Two investigations were launched this morning after a number of complaints were received by households who had been contacted.

It is understood the call involves a recorded message playing a series of claims about abortion and invites the householder to press a number for more information.

It is believed an automated programme is being used to generate and dial random phone numbers.

Comreg and the Data Protection Commissioner are investigating the calls.

Advice for those affected

John Rogers is from the Data Protection Commissioners.

Speaking earlier to Tom Dunne here on Newstalk he had this advice for anyone who receives the call.

"It really is up to the person whether they want to listen to the message or not - I would say don't listen to it" he said.

"I believe as well that some people are being requested to press 1, 2 or 3 - again, that's asking you to do something on your telephone".

"I wouldn't recommend doing it, unless you're certain that you know who's making the call to you".

"We've made a few inquires already with other organisations, so I suppose that's on-going and we are giving it top priority" he added.