The Government tonight gave the green light for Irish troops to take part in the first-ever EU Battlegroup.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea secured formal Cabinet approval to deploy up to 100 personnel to a conflict zone under the "Triple Lock" endorsement of the UN, the Government and the Dail.
It is expected that Ireland will join a Nordic Battlegroup comprised of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern will formalise the agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding between participant countries. Mr O'Dea said: "Ireland's commitment to the Triple Lock is absolute.
Irish troops will not be deployed to any conflict zone without the triple lock of UN, Government and Dail approval."
"Ireland and Sweden have a long history of close cooperation on UN missions. Our forces have worked well together for many years, most recently as part of the Quick Reaction Force in Liberia."
The Irish Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal units will form part of the deployment which is expected to number between 80 and 100.
Joint training for the Nordic Battlegroup, including field manoeuvres, will take place in Sweden in September/October 2007. There will be no joint training in Ireland, given the constitutional prohibition on forces not raised or maintained by the Oireachtas being based in the State.
"Possible participation in Battlegroups with other EU partners is also being considered and there have been some informal exploratory discussions with Finland and Austria in this regard," added Mr O'Dea.