More than 160 troops bound for eastern Chad will depart Ireland tonight for one of their most dangerous and challenging missions to date.
The members of the Defence Forces 97 Infantry Battalion will begin a four-month tour of duty as part of the Eufor peacekeeping operation in the troubled African state.
The humanitarian mission will involve the creation of a secure setting for more than 400,000 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP's) occupying refugee camps along the border with Darfur. Irish troops will man patrols across the region and support aid agencies.
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea said the tour will be one of the most challenging missions ever undertaken by the troops as members of Oglaigh na hEireann.
"The mission in Chad, without doubt, has its risks but more than 400,000 refugees fleeing the bloody conflict in Darfur need our help," he said.
"A total of 390 Irish troops will be on the ground in Chad when tonight's contingent land tomorrow morning.
"On the 1st June a further 150 troops will leave Ireland for Chad which will bring to almost 550 the number of personnel serving on the ground in the region."
Commandant Feargal Purcell of the Defence Forces said more than 200 Irish personnel including engineers, logisticians and some 50 Army Rangers, were already deployed in Goz Beida in south eastern Chad to set up camp and paved the way for the main body of troops.
When the main body of those return, including around 50 Army Rangers who went out in February, a total of 383 Irish soldiers will remain on the ground.
"Initial indications from out there is that our people have been received very warmly," said Commd Purcell. "But the conditions will be extremely difficult. The Irish camp is basic and includes accommodation, water and sanitation facilities.
"At the moment it is 56 degrees so it is an extremely hostile environment."
Each solider will do a four-month tour of duty with a presence remaining in the region until March, when the situation will be reviewed by the United Nations.
Minister O'Dea said the Irish troops are being sent to Chad for exactly the same reasons soldiers went to the Congo, to Cyprus to Lebanon and to Liberia.
"Irish troops have saved countless lives and helped protect some of the poorest and most vulnerable people on our planet," he continued.
"The EU mission to Chad has a specific United Nations mandate to help and protect the refugees."
PA