An infantry battalion bound for service with the United Nations in Liberia will present for inspection today ahead of their departure.
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Jim Sreenan will review the 96th Infantry Battalion, which will act as the Quick Reaction Force for the 15,000 strong United Nations Mission in Liberia.
Lieut Col Michael Kennedy will lead the 319 soldiers when they are deployed by November 13th.
The group, mainly from the fourth Western Brigade, are likely to be the final rotation of Irish troops to the west African country.
The Irish forces, who were first deployed to Liberia in November 2003, will provide back-up and assistance to other troops involved in the mission.
The soldiers will also provide additional security to the Special Court based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, if the situation in the region deteriorates.
The battalion will make long range patrols deep into the Liberian interior to deliver humanitarian relief to the local population.
PA