Fine Gael is seeking all-party support for a Dáil motion this week backing the efforts to bring humanitarian relief to Iraqis suffering as a result of the US-led invasion.
The party leader, Mr Enda Kenny, has written to the leaders of all parties in the Dáil seeking their support for the motion.
The motion will be voted on after a Dáil debate tomorrow and Wednesday.
While the other Opposition parties are continuing to put pressure on the Government over the continued use of Shannon Airport by the US military, Fine Gael last week began to focus on the humanitarian effort during its questions to the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
Mr Kenny said yesterday that while the war in Iraq was a very divisive issue, the motion provided the Dáil with an opportunity to unite behind support for humanitarian assistance.
The party's motion says the United Nations should play the lead co-ordinating role in the effort, and that any Government money given to it should be "new" money rather than taken from existing allocations for overseas aid.
"Iraq is now facing a major humanitarian crisis which could see a massive increase in acute malnutrition and a high risk of a measles outbreak," Mr Kenny said yesterday in a statement.
"The Irish people have a long and proud tradition of responding to major humanitarian crises across the globe. Their thoughts now are with the suffering people of Iraq.
"I think it is appropriate that the Dáil should reflect the people's will that the necessary steps are taken to deal with the imminent crisis," said the Fine Gael leader.