Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2013
60. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department sent the new selection procedure to applicants for the new election observer roster; if there is an appeal or review procedure within his Department to handle complaints by applicants regarding selection for the election observation roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24727/13]
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. Last year, I asked officials in the Department to carry out a review of the election observation roster. Following a call for applications, which was issued by the Department, and an appraisal process against published criteria, 200 individuals with a strong mix of skills and experience were selected to serve on a new roster, which came into effect on 15 May 2013. Due to the high quality of applications for the roster, a reserve panel was established from which applicants will be drawn should any roster members leave the roster.
The call for applicants to the new roster was published on both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Irish Aid websites, with an information note setting out the details of the application process.
I am satisfied that all applicants were treated fairly and impartially. If any unsuccessful applicant wishes to have their application reviewed, the procedure is that a final review will be carried out by a senior official who has not been involved in the selection process.
