Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the participation of Irish citizens in overseas election monitoring observation missions in which the State is participating. [41899/13]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I believe that international election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. 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 both elections and constitutional referendums.

The Department carried out a review of the election observation roster earlier this year. Following a call for applications, and an appraisal process against published criteria, 200 individuals with a strong mix of skills and experience were selected to serve on a new roster, which came into effect on 15 May 2013.

Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). They have also been involved in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre. So far in 2013, 47 Irish citizens from the election observers roster have participated in twelve missions organised by the EU, the OSCE and the Carter Centre.