The Irish government is working to evacuate 36 of its citizens from Afghanistan, the country’s foreign affairs minister has said.
That includes a “small number” waiting at Kabul airport, RTÉ reports.
Simon Coveney said three Irish citizens had already been evacuated.
He said sending Irish military personal would “complicate rather than simplify things” and there were agreements with other countries to make space for Irish citizens.
“We are working with EU partners, the UK and US to make sure there are places on flights leaving Kabul for them,” he told broadcaster RTÉ.
“Certainly the easiest way, in our view, to get Irish citizens out is to work in partnership with other countries who are trying to do the same for their own citizens.
Mr. Coveney said those waiting to evacuate included dual nationals and dependents, and most working for international organizations and NGOs.
He added: “There are people managing to get out, albeit in small numbers.”
He said one of the biggest obstacles was getting people to Kabul airport, where chaotic scenes have been reported as world governments rush to bring their citizens home.
“It is very difficult to get people into the airport. It is difficult for some to get to Kabul from where they are as there are checks run by Taliban,” he said.