Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
45. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when interviews will be held to put in place a revised roster of election monitors of Irish Aid with his Department; the delay in revising this roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58030/12]
View answerInternational election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for both elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. However, they have also been involved in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.
The electoral observation roster is now being reviewed with a view to the establishment of a new roster of individuals with the right mix of skills and experience to ensure that Ireland can consistently nominate the best qualified people for missions. We will shortly be issuing a call for applicants. Applications will be short-listed against published criteria and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. I expect that these interviews will take place by the end of April 2013.
