The Government last night agreed to a Fine Gael amendment to the Partnership for Peace motion in return for the party's full support when the issue is voted on in the Dail, probably next week.

The Fine Gael amendment means that any proposed future expansion of Ireland's role in PfP, beyond that outlined in the Government's presentation document published last week, would have to be put to the Dail for approval.

The Fine Gael spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Gay Mitchell, said last night the amendment ruled out any "back-door" involvement by Ireland in activities beyond the humanitarian and peace keeping role set out in the Government's presentation document.

The Government also agreed to give extra time to the debate, which is due to begin today.