Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 511: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will list the persons sent abroad since 2003 to monitor elections and referenda in various parts of the world; the method and manner by which they were chosen; the changes he has planned to this selection procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12976/10]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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 six years, Ireland has been represented in 90 election observation missions worldwide. This has involved the participation of a total of 512 Irish observers. The missions involved have primarily been organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Ireland has also been represented in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.

Through Irish Aid, the Government's aid programme, 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, the Department contacts suitably qualified volunteers, 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 Irish Aid.

I believe the selection procedure is working well, and there are no plans at present to change it. However, as with all activities supported by Irish Aid, the election observation programme is under continuous monitoring to ensure that it operates efficiently and effectively and provides the best possible value for money.

I regret that, as a consequence of industrial action, I am not in a position at this stage to provide the list of people who have participated in election monitoring missions since 2003. I will ensure that the information is provided to the Deputy as soon as this is possible.