Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will send election observers for the elections due shortly to be held in Serbia and Armenia; if so, the number of observers for each election; the selection criteria being used to select observers for each of these elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19159/12]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim 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 in 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. When a request for electoral observation is received, the Department seeks expressions of interest from all observers on the election roster. A list of suitably qualified observers is then drawn up, taking into account the length of time since their last mission as well as any specific criteria for the mission, including country and regional experience and relevant language proficiency, if applicable. Attention is also given to contributing to the OSCE's commitment to achieving a better gender balance on missions, as well as the need for Ireland to increase the number of experienced observers on our roster.

The OSCE has decided to send a limited election observation mission, comprising 10 long-term observers, for the parliamentary elections in Serbia on 6 May. Ireland is providing one member of this observation team. A full OSCE election observation mission will observe the parliamentary elections in Armenia on 6 May. Ireland was asked to nominate long-term and short-term observers to participate on the mission. One Irish long-term observer is currently in Armenia, and it is planned to provide a further eight Irish short-term observers.