31 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will send election observers for the elections due shortly to be held in Serbia and Armenia and if so the number of observers for each election; the selection criteria being used to select observers for each of these elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24664/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 in 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), but have also been involved in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre. When a request for electoral observation is received, the Department seeks expressions of interest from all observers on the election roster. A list of suitably qualified observers is then drawn up, taking into account the length of time since their last mission as well as any specific criteria for the mission, including country and regional experience and relevant language proficiency, if applicable. Attention is also given to contributing to the OSCE's commitment to achieving a better gender balance on missions, as well as the need for Ireland to increase the number of experienced observers on our roster.
The OSCE decided to send a limited election observation mission, comprising 10 long-term observers, for the Parliamentary elections in Serbia on 6 May. Ireland provided one member of this observation team and she returned to Ireland on 10 May. The first round of the Presidential election coincided with the Parliamentary election on 6 May and the second round of Presidential elections is scheduled to take place in Serbia on 20 May. The OSCE has decided to extend the limited observation mission to cover the second round Presidential election. Ireland has provided one-long term observer to participate in this mission.
A full OSCE election observation mission observed the parliamentary elections in Armenia on 6 May. Ireland provided one long-term observer and seven short-term observers to this mission. The long-term observer returned to Ireland on 14 May and the short-term observers returned on 9 May.
