The UN is expected to approve its own peacekeeping mission to Chad, taking over the operation which has been run by the EU for the past year and led by an Irish General.
The European mission, known as EUFOR, has been operating in Chad since spring. It is composed of more than 3,500 troops, 400 of them from Ireland.
The operational commander of the force, Lieutenant General Pat Nash from Limerick, is based in Paris.
It was always anticipated that EUFOR would only operate until the UN was ready to set up its own mission in the huge Central African country.
Many of the nations already participating, including Ireland, will probably continue to serve - with soldiers simply putting on the traditional UN Blue Beret from 15 March.
However, it is not expected that any Irish General will have a key role in the UN force.
About 400 troops who are leaving at the end of the month for Chad were inspected this afternoon by Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea in Dublin
If the UN takes over the mission the Irish troops will wear the traditional UN blue beret.
The UN, rather than the Irish Government, will pay for most of their involvement.
Minister O'Dea said that under the UN command, Ireland will require that the current level of logistical support available to Irish peacekeepers will continue to be provided.
The Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Dermot Earley said the Defence Forces will have no difficulty with the changeover to the UN.
He said they had great experience with the UN in the past, and the troops in Chad will continue to do exactly the same as they had been doing with EUFOR.
