Unanimous agreement was given by the Dáil this evening to send 430 Irish troops on a peacekeeping mission to Liberia next month.
The troops will serve with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The Irish troops will provide immediate response capability.
The size of the Irish unit means it will be of sufficient strength to provide to provide a quick military reaction to any crisis situation, according to the Minister of Defence, Mr Smith, told the Dail.