Ireland is likely to send up to 100 troops to Kosovo under its ongoing obligations to United Nations peacekeeping, but the move may not be made until the autumn.
A Government spokesman confirmed last night that consideration is being given to the participation of 80 to 100 troops in the NATO-led Kfor, probably in a transport capacity.
Since such a decision is subject to Cabinet and Dail approval, and a formal invitation from the UN is unlikely to be received before the Dail rises next month, the mission is not likely to be approved until after the summer recess.
The UN has made it known in informal contacts that an invitation is being considered and, speaking on RTE's Today with Rodney Rice yesterday, NATO's spokesman, Mr Jamie Shea, said Irish participation in Kosovo would be welcome.
A spokesman for the Department of Defence said Ireland had a standing agreement with the UN to have 850 personnel involved in overseas operations at any given time. The number now in service is 750.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/d408b07e-0ff8-4a26-8878-74aec64dccc4.png)