Dublin MEP Eoin Ryan is one of 46 MEPs who will examine allegations of the transportation and illegal detention of prisoners by the CIA in European countries.
The committee will also examine whether European governments knew about these alleged practices, and if EU citizens have been involved.
The committee will liaise and cooperate with the Council of Europe, the European Commissioner responsible for human rights, the UN Commissioner for Human Rights and with national parliaments.
Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Mr Ryan reiterated his demand for greater US transparency in its use of European airports, and in particular Shannon Airport.
'Ireland has signed up to the International Convention on Human Rights, and we are a member of the Council of Europe; therefore we are obliged to do all in our power to ensure that prisoners are not being illegally transported through our State,' he said.
