Labour wants law changed to tackle extraordinary rendition

The Labour Party is questioning if establishing a cabinet committee on human rights is the best way of tackling the issue of extraordinary rendition.

It says the law must be changed to allow for a much more robust regime at Ireland's airports.

The Government says it plans to approach the incoming US administration on the issue of extraordinary rendition.

But Labour's Michael D Higgins has said this doesn't go far enough.

"I think there are prospects and certainly of improving the United States image abroad the proposals of Senator Obama are very positive.

"The general weight of opinion is that getting assurances that extraordinary rendition does not take place in your territory, is not sufficient," he said.