Irish troops are set to be deployed to Syria. The Cabinet today backed a proposal by the Defence Minster for a contingent to serve with the United Nations.

The measure will now be presented to the Dail by Alan Shatter for approval later this week.

The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established on May 31st in 1974 by the UN Security Council.

The Department of Defence says the escalation of the conflict in the region has affected the UNDOF operations significantly in recent months.

If approved, the Irish Defence Forces will provide reinforcement, escort and other operations in the UNDOF.

Speaking following the government decision, Minister Shatter said "It is important that UNDOF has at its disposal all necessary means and resources to carry out its mandate safely and securely".

"The support of troop contributing countries, such as Ireland, to UNDOF, allows the mission to continue implementing its mandate in a safe and secure manner".

The proposed deployment of Irish troops to UNDOF would bring the strength of the mission up to 1,250.