Up to 150 Irish troops could be serving in the Lebanon by mid-November according to the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea.
Mr O'Dea said that the troops could be sent to the area to provide protection and security to around 250 Finnish troops who specialise in mine clearance, construction engineering and humanitarian work.
"Ireland will provide security and protection for our mission partners Finland, as they carry out vital rebuilding engineering and construction work," Mr O'Dea said.
The Minister said that discussions have taken place with Finnish authorities and Irish officers are expected to undertake a reconnaissance mission to the Lebanon as early as next week.
Further talks are expected to take place between officials from the two countries on September 25.
"Subject to military advice and recommendations following the reconnaissance mission I envisage I will be in a position to seek Cabinet and Dail approval in early October," the minister added.
"The safety and security of Irish troops is of paramount importance to me so the military authorities' advice in this regard is vital in terms of a final decision to deploy to the region.
The UN will also have to approve our Joint proposal with Finland and the final nature of the proposed mission before any deployment," he said.
Mr O'Dea added: "Our troops would be mainly focused on providing security and protection for the Finnish engineers, who as I say will be doing reconstruction work, so from that point of view they certainly wouldn't be in what you might call the front line."
Meanwhile, Labour's Joe Costello questioned the use of Irish troops to protect members other forces.
Mr Costello said that he supports the deployment of troops to the Lebanon in principle they "have more to offer than acting as bodyguards for soldiers from another country".
He said: "I would ask whether this is the most appropriate use of our soldiers who are more experienced than any others, when it comes to serving in Lebanon having served there frequently".
"I'm calling on Minister O'Dea to clarify exactly what the role of our soldiers will be in this mission." Mr Costello concluded.
