Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015
503. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered sending Irish election observers to the forthcoming election in Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24667/15]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of 200 observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for elections. Irish observers participate primarily in missions following requests issued by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). However, they have in the past also participated in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre. No request for monitors has yet been received in relation to the forthcoming Canadian elections. If any such request were to be received, it would be considered in line with other requests and past practice.
