Robert Troy
Question:109. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the process and marking system for the election observer roster. [53718/18]
View answerWednesday, 19 December 2018
Questions (109)
Written answers
The process of establishing a new international election observer roster is now at a very advanced stage. Results in the appraisal process have been released to candidates, along with information on the appeals process. There are a number of remaining stages, as follows: security vetting; in certain cases, the verification of language levels; and, the training of the new roster members. It is expected that the new roster will be established in January 2019.
The process required an initial eligibility check of the 395 applications which were received by the application deadline. Of these applications, 377 were deemed to have met the essential requirements listed in the Volunteer Information Booklet.
The 377 applications went to stage 2 assessment, and were marked on the basis of the five competencies contained in the application form. These were: Leadership and Team Work; Analysis and Decision-Making; Building Relationships and Communication Skills; Drive and Commitment; and, Knowledge and Expertise in the Area of Election Observation.
Candidates were required to provide at least one relevant example under each competency, which demonstrated that the candidate would be suitable for membership of the roster. The Election Observer Competency Framework attached to the application form provided guidance on the qualities the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would expect to see in an international election observer. The competencies and qualities were based on the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and associated Code of Conduct for International Election Observers, and also the roles and duties of EU and OSCE short and long term observers.
Applications were assessed by a number of panels. Panel members were provided with training in shortlisting best practice and in avoiding unconscious bias. The marking process was calibrated by an independent external quality assurance service, ensuring cross-panel consistency in the marking approach.
The process was run in accordance with the core principles contained in the Volunteer Information Booklet: probity; merit; best practice; fairness and consistency; and openness, accountability and transparency. An appeals panel is available to meet in January if needed. Should that need arise, the appeals process will be run in accordance with the same core principles.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade received a large number of very high quality applications. As the total number of applications (395) almost twice exceeded the number of roster places, I regret that many of those who applied were not successful. Among those disappointed are people who had previously been on the roster and, also, people who have served in elected office.
I would like to thank all those who applied for the new roster. The intense competition for places will ensure that the quality of Irish election observers will remain high. I would also like to thank outgoing roster members for their contribution to the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.