A forthcoming deployment of Irish troops to engage in peacekeeping duties with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) shortly will "almost definitely" be the final such group to do so, Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea said yesterday.
Speaking at a review of the 96th Infantry Battalion in Athlone, Mr O'Dea paid tribute to the work of Irish peacekeepers in the country over the past three years.
He said he expected troops from Pakistan to take over from Irish soldiers next May.
Ireland was due to complete its participation in UNMIL this month, but a request from outgoing UN secretary general Kofi Annan for the State to postpone this for a period of at least six months, meant that the 96th Battalion will be the final Irish rotation in the country, Mr O'Dea said.
"Over the past three years, Ireland has contributed in a substantive way to bringing stability to a key region of Africa. We have worked to bring peace, and create respect for human rights and the rules of law, and have helped to ensure the re-establishment of civil society in the region," he said.
"Following a detailed review of the request, the Government was pleased to be able to respond positively to Mr Annan . . .
"The Swedish contingent, which has partnered Ireland in Liberia, is withdrawing this month and will be replaced by troops from Pakistan, who will also take over from our troops next May."
Mr O'Dea said that it was an "especially appropriate" time to remember Sgt Derek Mooney, who died in a road accident in Liberia during the first month of the UNMIL mission, and his 84 Defence Forces comrades who had died while serving on United Nations peace missions around the world.