More than 400 Irish soldiers will depart for a six-month tour of duty in Liberia in the next 10 days to relieve the battalion currently serving on the UNMIL peacekeeping mission in the west African country.
The 430-strong group from the 94th Infantry Battalion, Eastern Brigade, may be the second-last group of soldiers to be deployed to Camp Clara in Monrovia.
The final stage of the Liberian elections is due to be held next Tuesday. The Government had always intended to maintain the Irish Army's presence there for 12 months after the election and then withdraw, probably at the end of next year.
The Minister of State for Defence, Tom Kitt,, reviewed the 430 troops in Dublin yesterday ahead of their departure.
He said the Irish had played a vital role in the UNMIL mission in bringing security to Liberia.
The Irish participation in the country's disarmament programme, which saw 100,000 fighters who had taken part in the country's 14-year civil war surrender their weapons, had been of particular importance.
"As the country has become safer, the trickle of returning refugees has become a broad stream, as across the whole country, displaced families are seeking the opportunity to return home," Mr Kitt said. "The successful conduct of fair and free elections is an indication of the substantial progress that has occurred in the country since the beginning of the UNMIL two years ago."
The first group of soldiers will leave for Liberia next Tuesday and will be followed by their colleagues the following week. They will serve alongside Swedish troops who are also part of the UNMIL's 15,000-strong international deployment in Liberia.
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