Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
107. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the steps taken to replace the election observation roster established in 2013; the details of the application process for inclusion in the new roster and for missions arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17853/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Plans are well advanced for the establishment of a new roster. A public call for applications is currently being finalised and is expected to be issued in the coming weeks. The call will be published on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website and on the Irish Aid website.
A candidate information booklet setting out eligibility requirements and detailing the process leading to the establishment of the roster will be published for the information of applicants. The process to appoint observers to the Election Observer Roster will be run in accordance with best practice.
For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set out their specific requirements and, on the basis of expressions of interest from roster members, the Department draws up a list of applicants. In selecting nominees to be put forward, the specific criteria set by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience, language proficiency, gender and length of time since serving on a mission, provide the main basis for decision-making. In many cases, the EU and OSCE also invite Member States to nominate new observers or observers with limited experience and this is also factored into the nomination process. Following consideration of the applicants, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval.
