Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 July 2014
42. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider sending Irish election observers to the forthcoming referendum on possible Scottish independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31868/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights around the world. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains and administers a roster of observers for such missions. The Department nominates roster members to participate in missions organised mainly by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The aim is to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for both elections and constitutional referendums. These nominations are made following invitation by the organisations concerned. The legal framework for the conduct of the referendum has been clearly set out in the Agreement between the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Government on a referendum on independence for Scotland (Edinburgh Agreement) of 15 October 2012 between the Scottish and UK governments. No invitation from the EU or the OSCE to send election observers to monitor the forthcoming Scottish Independence Referendum on 18 September has been received nor is one expected. Nevertheless, Ireland’s Consul General in Edinburgh is closely following the referendum campaign and is keeping the Government updated on developments.
