Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 213: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the process by which election observers are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14120/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government believes that international election monitoring missions have an important role to play in the promotion of human rights and democracy. We therefore aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is appropriately represented in international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Over the past three years, Ireland has been represented in 62 election observation missions, involving more than 270 Irish observers. The missions have been organised primarily by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We have also been represented in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.

Irish Aid, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a roster of volunteers for election monitoring missions. There are currently some 280 volunteers on the roster. They all have either overseas or domestic experience in the administration of elections, or have significant overseas development expertise. Their place on the roster is based on the date of their last participation in a mission.

When a request for electoral observation is received, suitably qualified volunteers are contacted, taking into account their place on the roster and any specific criteria for the mission, including relevant language proficiency. Following completion of the internal selection process, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval. The roster is updated as each mission is completed, to ensure that all registered volunteers have an opportunity to participate in a mission.

In the case of European Union election observation missions, all candidate observers must register with the European Commission as well as with Irish Aid. The final selection of observers rests with the Commission, based on an approved list submitted by the Department of Foreign Affairs.