Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he is "deeply concerned" by the events unfolding in Afghanistan in recent days.
The Taliban are attempting to seize Afghanistan's capital Kabul after taking control of every other major city as local security forces are left to fend for themselves.
The insurgents are entering the city from all sides, officials have confirmed.
On Sunday the Taliban seized the eastern city of Jalalabad without a fight, narrowing the area controlled by the crumbling government.
It followed the Taliban's seizure of the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif late on Saturday, also with little fighting.
Local officials said allowing the Islamist group to advance was the only way to prevent the loss of civilian lives.
And in a statement on Monday afternoon, the Taoiseach said: "I am deeply concerned by the unfolding situation in Afghanistan.
"The pace of developments there has taken many by surprise.
"I fully endorse the call from UN Secretary General António Guterres for the Taliban to exercise the utmost restraint.
"Protecting lives, meeting humanitarian needs and respecting people’s human rights are paramount. All parties, including the Taliban, are obliged to, and must, respect international humanitarian law.
"The international community must play its full part in providing humanitarian aid and facilitating refugees. Ireland will participate fully in these efforts.
"The Departments of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are coordinating our actions.
"The UN Security Council, of which Ireland is currently a member, is meeting this afternoon. And a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs
"I am in continuous contact with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, and will continue to monitor the situation closely over the coming days.
