Irish troops in Liberia under close watch
Mr O'Dea conceded the situation in the Liberian capital was "dangerous" after Irish troops were forced to intervene in a riot last week to save the life of a civilian who was being attacked by rioters.
Speaking at the review of the 92nd Infantry Battalion bound for Liberia in Collins Barracks, Cork, Mr O'Dea said: "I can well understand why some of you may be worried by the recent violence in Monrovia this is of particular concern to all of us and particularly me as Minister for Defence."
But he stressed most of the rioting was between different factions in Liberia and not directed towards UN peacekeepers.
Stressing the latest Irish battalion being deployed to Liberia will have the most up-to-date equipment, Mr O'Dea said: "I will monitor the situation closely and if anything further needs to be done to ensure the continued safety of our troops, this will be addressed."
But he also said the Irish troops serving in Liberia managed to secure the release of 35 people, mainly women and children, who were being held captive by rebels earlier this year.
Mr O'Dea is due to visit Liberia with President McAleese before Christmas but he said yesterday they will have to be assured there is no "security risk" before the President's visit can go ahead.
Mr O'Dea said the tragic death of Sgt Derek Mooney in a road traffic accident in Liberia last November highlighted the fact peacekeeping missions were not without danger.
Meanwhile, army staff outlined progress of Irish peacekeeping troops.
Commandant Brian Cleary, who served in Liberia, said: "This is the most dangerous place that I have been the most volatile place Irish troops have served since the Congo."
