The minister's comments came after it emerged that the United Nations headquarters in southern Lebanon, where five Irish army officers are based, was hit by a stray Israeli rocket. A defence forces spokesman last night confirmed that none of the Irish officers were injured in the incident.

Seventeen Irish army personnel are currently working in the region, with 10 based in Lebanon and the others located in Israel and Syria.

Five of the 10 officers in Lebanon are based in the UN headquarters with the others working from observation posts located along the IsraeliLebanese border. These positions were originally set up to monitor the ceasefire between the two sides.

However, since the start of the Israeli offensive 11 days ago, in response to Hizballah's kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers, the five Irish officers have effectively been supplying the UN with first-hand accounts of the military action.

O'Dea said the position of the 17 Irish army officers in the region was being kept under constant review. "Their safety is the only criteria, " he said. The defence minister is due to meet the army's chief of staff on Tuesday.

A defence forces spokesman said there were no current plans to bring the officers home. "Every precaution is being taken. These guys have some experience of Lebanon before and they know what to expect, " he said. Almost 100 Irish citizens were evacuated from Lebanon last week including four wives and four children of Irish defence forces personnel.

In the event of a ceasefire, the possibility of Irish soldiers participating in a UN peacekeeping force in the region will be considered by the government. There are no plans to deploy any further Irish personnel in addition to those currently serving in the region. "My own personal view is that there would have to be a ceasefire before that would be considered, " O'Dea said.