The army's new armoured personnel carriers (APCs) will first see service with the UN peacekeeping mission in Eritrea, the Minister for Defence has announced.
Mr Smith reiterated his comments in the Dail on Wednesday night, saying there was no change in the Government's policy on the European Rapid Reaction Force despite the Nice Treaty referendum outcome.
There would be no derailment of peacekeeping, humanitarian tasks, he said. "In the poorest of times this country sent out troops to help restore peace and normality in different parts of the world. It would be strange in much better times if we were to renege on what is a fundamental part of our foreign policy".
Mr Smith attended the first public display of the new carriers yesterday. The carriers are replacing equipment last updated in 1970. Forty new Piranha APCs are being purchased from the Swiss manufacturer, Mowag, at a cost of £40 million. Another 40 may be purchased if funds are available next year.
The Chief-of-Staff, Lieut Gen Colm Mangan, said the arrival of the new carriers was a "great day for the Defence Forces". He looked forward to seeing the vehicles used in peacekeeping operations in any part of the world.
The decision to choose the Piranha had been vindicated, he said. Other major nations chose the same APC. The US army had ordered about 3,000 Piranhas.
Up to 10 of the new vehicles will see service with the contingent of up to 200 Irish soldiers, who will be joining the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) in December.
The first consignment of six 18.5-ton Piranhas is undergoing tests with the 3rd Infantry Battalion in the Curragh under Cmdt Liam Ahern, who said the primary requirement was for a vehicle that would carry troops safely in dangerous terrain.
The peace and justice group AfrI expressed concern at the Government's continued spending on military equipment in light of the rejection of the Nice treaty. Criticising the purchase of the personnel carriers unveiled yesterday, the group said militarisation was "a major reason" for the No vote.
The Government's decision to press ahead with plans to join the European Rapid Reaction Force was "contrary to the spirit of democracy", it added.