Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 98: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will list persons sent abroad since May 2010 to monitor elections and referendums in tabular form; the process by which election observers are appointed to the observer panel; the number of male and female observers on the panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31134/11]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Government believes that international election monitoring missions have an important role to play in the promotion of human rights and democracy. Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. There are currently some 300 people on the roster, 104 women and 196 men.

The main requirements for inclusion on the roster are overseas or domestic experience in the administration of elections, or significant overseas development expertise. Members should also be Irish citizens, be in good health and have an ability to adapt to difficult conditions. Knowledge of foreign languages is also an advantage. Candidates who fulfil the requirements are placed on the roster following an interview. The election observation programme is subject to continuous monitoring to ensure that it operates efficiently and effectively and provides the best possible value for money.

The Government aims to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily on missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), but have also been involved in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.

A list in tabular form of persons sent abroad between May 2010 and October 2011 to monitor elections and referendums is set out below.

Election observation missions, May 2010 to October 2010

Irish observers act on observation missions as core team members, long term observers (LTOs) and short term observers (STOs).