Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
146. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider prioritising sending experienced election observers and agents on further election observer missions as part of the EU and OSCE missions when requested to select persons from the approved roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34442/13]
View answer147. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline upcoming election observer missions that his Department intend to send delegations to, including observers for missions organised by the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34454/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
International 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 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 (OSCE). However, they have also participated in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.
So far in 2013, Ireland has participated in election observation missions in Jordan, Armenia, Kenya, Paraguay, Pakistan, Albania and Mongolia. The Department decides on a case by case basis which election observation missions Ireland should participate in. Currently, there are no outstanding invitations from international bodies for Irish participation in election observation missions, although notifications are expected from both the EU and the OSCE over the coming months.
When it is decided to nominate observers to a particular mission, the Department seeks expressions of interest from all observers on the election roster. A list of suitably qualified observers is drawn up, taking into account the specific criteria for the mission, including local or regional experience, and language proficiency. Gender balance and length of time since serving on a mission are also key factors in the selection process. Following completion of the internal selection process, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval.
In the case of European Union election observation missions, the final selection of observers from the list of approved nominees submitted by the Department rests with the European Commission. In the case of OSCE election observation missions, all the observers nominated by the Department are usually selected.
I am confident that the establishment this year of the new election observation roster, comprising 200 highly qualified individuals with a strong mix of skills and experience, will ensure that Ireland can consistently nominate the best qualified people for election monitoring missions. At this point, I do not envisage changes to the procedure by which members of the new roster will be nominated for missions.
