Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2017
169. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if civil servants who partake in election observations are entitled to the higher remuneration; the arrangement for expenses paid to such civil servants; if they are higher or lower than those given to other Irish election observers deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45178/17]
View answerThe 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 on international observation missions for 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). Election monitors who are nominated as long or short term election observers by the Department do not receive remuneration. They are paid a daily in country expense allowance, determined by the EU and the OSCE, based on local cost of living to cover the cost of food, accommodation, local transport costs and expenses in country. A once off annual pre departure grant of €600 and a return air fare is also provided.
Officials from the Department, who work on relevant geographic desks, or election Focal Points occasionally participate in such election observation missions. The in country expense allowances paid to officials are the same as those paid to members of the Roster, but no pre-departure grant of €600 is provided.
