The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee Delegation has arrived in Bagdad for a five-day fact finding visit to examine the impact of sanctions on the civilian population.
Included in the party are the Labour Party spokesman on Foreign Affairs Mr Michael D. Higgins and Fianna Fáil Senator Mr Michael Kitt.
On his arrival Mr Higgins said Ireland should make full use of any influence it has to seek a peaceful diplomatic solution to the current impending war between the US-led coalition and Iraq.
He said the delegation would be "asking very direct questions of the Iraqi politicians and looking for answers" .