The Government should pressure the European Union into launching an investigation into the number of civilians killed, or injured in Iraq, the Labour Party has declared.
A motion calling on the Government to act will be moved today by the party's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Michael D. Higgins, at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs.
An EU investigation should also inquire into the state of hospitals in the country, the quality and quantity of medicines needed and the condition of emergency feeding stations.
The EU should also push the US to ensure that the United Nations is given the lead role in providing humanitarian aid, including help offered by the Government, or Irish non-governmental organisations.
"Like many other people I am greatly relieved that the number of direct casualties from the war does not appear to have been as high as the levels forecast by the United Nations and others.
"However, it is clear that Iraq is still facing a potentially catastrophic humanitarian disaster unless the appropriate arrangements are put in place for a massive relief effort," the Galway West TD said.
Just two of Baghdad's 39 hospitals are open and they are operating "without adequate medicines or equipment and are unable to provide a sterile environment", he said.
The hospitals, which are trying to treat patients without anaesthetics or painkillers, have lost essential equipment during the looting which followed the arrival of US troops.
The US and United Kingdom had failed "to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of Iraqi citizens", said Mr Higgins, an outspoken critic of the invasion.
"Ireland should use its influence to ensure that the UN has a lead role in providing humanitarian relief and in determining the appropriate political structures for the future governance of Iraq."
Labour's Foreign Affairs Committee motion also expresses sympathy to the Iraqi people on the loss of life and injuries and damage to buildings and infrastructure.
In particular, it asks the Oireachtas to express "its outrage with the occupation forces" for their failure to prevent a museum housing "9,000 years of world culture and history" from looters.
o Protesters called off a demonstration outside RTÉ last night after the group was offered representation on the panel of Questions and Answers.
The Iraq Human Rights group had complained that the panel was biased as it did not contain anyone who was in favour of the war in Iraq. Mr Faiah Hassam, group spokesman said he had earlier sought a place on the panel but was refused it.
Shortly before the programme got underway, it was agreed that Mr Hassam could be a panellist on the show.
A Questions and Answers spokeswoman said the programme tried to provide a balance of opinions and as broad a range of views as possible.
