Health screening and further tests for harmful radiation are to be carried out at the base where some 100 Irish transport troops are serving in Kosovo, the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, announced yesterday.
Tests on the camp, south-east of the capital Pristina, were carried out last September to see if there were any harmful traces of radiation arising from the use of "depleted uranium" (DU) shells during the conflict in 1999. Those tests found no harmful radiation.
However, following concern expressed by other European governments it has been decided to carry out further tests.
An Army colonel, a doctor and an ordnance officer will travel to Kosovo tomorrow. The colonel will meet the Irish officers serving in the region and the doctor will liaise with other medics in Kosovo to discuss potential health threats.
The Ordnance Corps officer will carry out further checks for radiation.
Yesterday the British government announced that it was ordering health checks on British soldiers who have served in the region. Initially, the British military and government resisted calls for screening, arguing there was no evidence DU ammunition could damage soldiers' health.
Six Italian soldiers have died of leukaemia and both Italy and Portugal are examining DU risks in Kosovo.
Mr Smith yesterday said any soldier who is anxious or concerned should report to a medical officer and they would receive "the fullest medical attention".
He added: "There are no depleted uranium sites close to the Irish company and the work of our troops does not take them to these sites. In addition, there are specific instructions to prevent any contact with contaminated material.
"I am not prepared to take any risk in so far as the health of our personnel is concerned."
Mr Smith said when the inspection team returns from Kosovo next week they will identify the type and scope of screening for personnel who have served in the region.
The Minister was speaking at a review of the Military Police contingent of 50 soldiers who are travelling to Bosnia where the Defence Forces maintain a contingent in Sarajevo.
Yesterday the soldiers' representative association said it was pleased that the military authorities had voluntarily approached them and offered screening and any other help that might be needed by troops who have served in the region. Mr John Lucey, general secretary of the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) said: "We are happy enough that the Irish troops are not in any areas as part of their duties where there has been contamination. The Deputy Chief of Staff has already contacted us and said anyone who wants screening will be accommodated immediately."