The Department of Foreign Affairs has called for an end to speculation on the final figure of Irish casualties in the World Trade Center in New York.
But it has also urged relatives of any "undocumented Irish" that may be missing to come forward.
Some media reports yesterday suggested up to 50 Irish people may have died in the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
"I don’t know where the figure of 50 has come from, but all I can say is that this is not the time for wild speculation on the matter," a Department spokesman said.
"The process of confirmation will go on as long as we are in contact with Washington, but I would encourage anyone who may be concerned about any ‘undocumented Irish’ that may have been in New York to contact us - even if they are fearful".
So far the number of confirmed Irish dead is five, but the Department believes the true final figure will be in the low twenties.
The confirmed Irish dead so far are listed as Ms Ruth Clifford McCourt (44) and her daughter, Juliana (4), from Cork; Mr Paddy Currivan (52) from Dublin; New York-born Franciscan priest Fr Mychal Judge; and Mr Martin Coughlan (53) from Tipperary.
The Irish missing include stockbroker Ms Ann Marie McHugh (35) from Tuam, Co Galway, and construction workers Mr Kieran Gorman (35) from Carrowcurragh, Lavagh, Co Sligo, and Mr Seán Canavan (39).