Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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490. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will press his counterpart in the Republic of Indonesia, Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, to allow international journalists access to West Papua and commit to genuine media freedom for local and international journalists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5878/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The human rights situation in West Papua, and in particular the difficulties the media face in reporting on developments there, remains an issue of concern. The situation in Papua was raised directly with the Indonesian Foreign Ministry on 12 November last during the EU-Indonesia human rights dialogue. It also remains an issue which I, as well as my officials, will continue to raise with the Indonesian side. Ireland also supported the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution on Safety of Journalists at the 27th Session of the Council last September. This Resolution urged States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently. A free and independent media is indispensable for democracy.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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491. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to send observers to the upcoming Nigerian presidential election on 14 February 2015; if he has liaised with the Irish ambassador designate to Nigeria, Mr. Seán Hoy, on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5882/15]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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In response to an invitation from the Nigerian authorities, the EU deployed an Electoral Observation Mission to observe the Presidential and National Assembly elections which were scheduled for 14 February and the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections which were scheduled for 28 February. Over the past weekend, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria announced the rescheduling of the elections for 28 March and 11 April respectively. The Commission stated that the decision was based on security concerns.

The EU Observation Mission is being led by Mr Santiago Fisas Ayxela, a Member of the European Parliament. The European Union has also provided assistance totalling €35 million to support the electoral process in Nigeria.

In November last, the EU issued a call for nominations for the Mission to all Member States, requesting the nomination of 30 Long Term Observers to observe these elections. Following circulation of the request to the members of Ireland’s Election Observation Roster, Ireland put forward three nominees for consideration by the European Union. One of these, Ms Cecilia Keaveney, was selected to join the team, and is now in Nigeria supporting the preparatory phase of the Mission.

In addition, members of the diplomatic staff at our Embassy in Abuja, including the Ambassador, will participate as short-term observers when the elections are held.

At the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels yesterday, the EU expressed its disappointment at the postponement of the elections and called on all parties to respect the independence of the INEC, and ensure that transparent and well-run elections take place without further delay.

This is a crucial moment for Nigeria, at a time of instability in the north-east of the country and the violence being perpetrated by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

It is important that the rescheduled elections are as inclusive as possible and enable each eligible Nigerian citizen to cast their vote fairly. We will follow developments closely through our Embassy in Abuja, and in cooperation with our partners in the EU.