The Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea, has said that Irish soldiers will 'almost definitely' withdraw from peacekeeping duties in Liberia next May.
Up to 400 Irish troops have been serving in the West African country over the past three years.
Mr O'Dea said Ireland has contributed significantly to bringing peace, stability and respect for human rights in the region.
Irish troops were due to complete their mission this month, but had postponed their departure for six months following a request by the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
But this afternoon in Athlone, Co Westmeath, when reviewing 320 troops soon to leave for Liberia, Mr O'Dea said they would be the final battalion to serve with the United Nations Mission in Liberia.
He expects that they will be replaced by soldiers from Pakistan in May.
The minister paid tribute to Sgt Derek Mooney who was killed in a road accident during the first month of the UNMIL mission.
Earlier this week, 150 Irish soldiers were deployed in Lebanon with UNIFIL. Ireland also has 200 troops serving in Kosovo.
