Election Monitoring Missions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2023

Wednesday, 4 October 2023

Questions (52)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate, in respect of the current application process for membership of the international election observation roster, the number of appointments being made to the roster; whether an interview process will take place; if the Public Appointments Service is likely to play any role in the recruitment process and selection of successful applicants; the date that the results of the recruitment are likely to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43008/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Ireland’s current international Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. The new Roster will be in place from 1 January 2024 for a further five-year period.

The Department consulted with several relevant organisations for advice in the context of preparations for the new Roster, including the Public Appointments Service. 265 applications were received for membership of the new Roster. They are currently being appraised by representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Electoral Commission and the Carter Center.

The process will not involve interviews. The number of appointments to the Roster will be decided following appraisal of applications. Decisions will be communicated to applicants no later than mid-November 2023.