Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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139. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for the current method for the selection of international election observers; his views on whether his Department takes into account potential observers based on their qualifications and experience, rather than when a person was last sent on an observer mission; his views on whether a mechanism should be put in place to ensure the most qualified and suitable candidates are chosen for each mission, if candidates have in-country experience; his views on whether his Department's selection process meets the standards expected by the EU and OSCE; if his Department have conducted an evaluation as to the way other EU member states of comparative size operate such election observer missions; his views on whether the current model of selection would be in a position to stand up to litigation through the Irish courts system, such as from roster members who were not selected but who have significantly better qualifications and experience than those who were; if he will launch a full, comprehensive and independent review of the roster system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30667/14]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains and administers a roster of individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised in the main by the OSCE and the EU. The new election observation roster was established in May 2013 following a review of the existing roster. It comprises 200 individuals with a strong mix of skills and experience relevant to election monitoring. Applicants for the roster were scored independently by two assessors external to the Department, against four criteria specifically related to election observation. These were: experience of election observation; knowledge of human rights and/or governance issues; language skills; and experience of challenging environments.

For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set out their specific requirements and, on the basis of expressions of interest from roster members, the Department draws up a list of eligible observers. In selecting nominees to be put forward, the specific criteria set by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience and language proficiency, form the principal basis for decision-making. Issues of gender balance and length of time since serving on a mission are also taken into account. Final decisions on participation in missions are made by the EU and OSCE, and Irish nominees have a high success rate. I am satisfied that the selection process meets the standards required internationally.

Ireland participates actively in the European Commission and European External Action Service-led Election Observation network, which brings together election observation Focal Points from all 28 EU Member States, together with Canada, Switzerland and Norway. The network facilitates exchange of information and best practice on all aspects of election observation monitoring, and helps to ensure that we are acting in accordance with that best practice. I am confident that Ireland's election observation roster, and the observer nomination process, meet the highest international standards. The Department will keep the process under review, taking into account developments in the EU and OSCE context.