Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights Conor Lenihan has announced emergency funding of €500,000 for humanitarian relief in East Timor.
The funds were announced following an earlier plea for assistance by the Government of East Timor and the UN for funds on behalf of those who have been caught up in recent unrest.
Over 100,000 people have been displaced from their homes as a result of the recent violence.
East Timor plunged into violence in May after prime minister Mari Alkatiri sacked 600 of the 1,400-strong army for mutiny when they protested about alleged discrimination against troops from the country's west.
A 2,500-strong international force led by Australian troops now patrols the capital Dili.
East Timor president Xanana Gusmao said yesterday that he would step down if the country's prime minister refused to take responsibility for a weeks-long crisis during which the country has been racked by violence.
He spoke in a broadcast to the nation after a second day of tense meetings failed to bring the resignation of prime minister Mari Alkatiri, blamed by thousands of protesters for the violence in which at least 20 were killed amid widespread looting and arson.