Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

357. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the election roster members and separately non-roster members sent abroad from 2013 to date for monitoring elections and referenda in tabular form; the cost to his Department of members sent to each election and referendum observation; and the process by which election observers are selected for particular election observation missions. [40066/16]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

358. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the weight given to factors such as language, gender and length from last assignment for election monitoring roster members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40067/16]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.

International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains and administers a roster of observers for such missions. The aim is to ensure that Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international election observation missions organised in the main by the OSCE and the EU.

A full list of observers who have served on election observation missions from 2013 to mid-November 2016, together with the costs arising, is set out in the tables below. Those names marked with an asterix are officials from the Department, who work on relevant geographic desks, or election Focal Points who on occasion also participate in such missions.

The European Union covers the costs associated with EU Election Observation Missions. For OSCE missions, the Department covers all costs incurred by the individual Irish election observers. This includes a daily allowance based on OSCE guidance, to cover the cost of food, accommodation and local transport costs in country. A return air fare is also provided. In addition, all Irish election observation roster members undertaking a mission, receive a once-off grant annually of €600 from the Department to cover pre-departure mission expenses. Insurance cover is also provided by the Department for all observers. The costs incurred by officials are paid on the same basis as other election roster members, but no pre-departure grant is provided.

For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set out their specific requirements and, on the basis of expressions of interest and application form submitted by roster members, the Department draws up a list of observers. In selecting nominees to be put forward, the specific criteria set by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience and language proficiency, form the principal basis for decision-making. Issues of gender balance and length of time since serving on a mission are also taken into account. In many cases, the EU and OSCE also invite Member States to nominate observers with limited experience. Following consideration of the applicants, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval.

For EU missions, the final selection of observers submitted by the Department rests with the European Commission. In the case of OSCE election missions, all of the observers nominated by the Department are usually selected. By the end of 2016, it is envisaged that 67 observers will have participated on missions this year, compared to 46 in 2015.

Election Observation Missions 2013

Election Observation Missions 2014

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

359. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the review procedures which are open when a person is dissatisfied with the selection process for election monitoring roster members. [40068/16]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

360. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of election monitoring roster members that have not been selected for any missions and the reasons for their non-selection. [40069/16]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

361. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the current election monitoring roster can be amended in any way before a new roster is established; if any additions have been or can be made to the existing roster; and if so, the additions that have been made. [40070/16]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions 359 to 361, inclusive, together.

The current Election Observation Roster maintained and administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was established in May 2013 for a period of five years. This followed a review of the previous roster and a public call for applications. Following the independent appraisal and ranking of the 263 eligible applications, the 200 individuals who achieved the highest scores were selected to serve on the new roster and a reserve panel of the next 10 highest scoring individuals was also established, from which replacements would be drawn should any members leave the roster during the five year period.

Taking account of members who have left the roster, and those who have been added from the reserve panel, the current roster complement stands at 198 and the reserve panel has been fully utilised. Of this current roster, 128 members have undertaken missions since 2013 while 70 members have not yet served on a mission. In the vast majority of cases, the reason for non-participation is that members have not yet applied to go on a mission.

In the case of EU missions, the final selection of nominees submitted by the Department rests with the European Commission. In the case of OSCE election missions, all of the observers nominated by the Department are usually selected.

Officials of the Department’s Election Desk do take into account any feedback received from roster members, but are also mindful that the numbers of applicants for election missions are always higher than the available places.

Ireland actively participates in the European Commission and European External Action Service - led European Observation network, which brings together election observation Focal Points from all EU Member States, together with Norway, Switzerland and Canada. The network facilities exchange of information and international best practice on all aspects of election monitoring and roster administration and helps to ensure that Ireland is acting in accordance with best practice in the operation of the roster.

I am confident that the current roster is well equipped to deal with the requisite requirements of the EU and OSCE. It is envisaged that the current roster will operate until May 2018, but will be kept under review.