Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the Government does not support the principle of boycotting the Chinese Olympics over the ongoing crisis in Tibet.
He said the Olympics were a sporting event and the Government does not support the principle of boycotting them on political grounds.
"The international community needs to continue its dialogue with the Chinese Government," said the Minister.
Mr Ahern was speaking following a meeting at Iveagh House with the Tibet Support Group-Ireland. The Minister said there was a need for restraint from all sides and that dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama is the best means to address issues relating to Tibetan religious and cultural identity.
"It is important that the facts of what has occurred are established and, in this regard, strongly urge the Chinese authorities to allow free access by the media and independent observers.
"I have long advocated the value of dialogue between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama as the best means to address issues relating to Tibetan religious and cultural identity," he said.
"We have stressed to the Chinese the high degree of public concern in Ireland about the situation in Tibet," said Mr Ahern.
A Government spokesman also said: “No decision has yet been made on who will be attending the opening ceremony.”