Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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212. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the number of election observers sent will be increased or at least maintained at the level of 2016; his views on whether the overall numbers sent have fallen significantly in recent years; and if he is considering a review of conditions and allowances for observers. [5062/17]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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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 observers for such missions. The aim is to ensure that Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international election observation missions, organised in the main by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the EU.

In 2013, 72 observers were deployed; in 2014 there were 53 deployed; in 2015, 46 and in 2016, 68. A full listing of all elections observed since 2013 is posted on the Irish Aid website and can be accessed at the following address:

Various factors influence the number of observers deployed each year. The principal reason for the variation is the number of elections taking place in any given year and where the host authorities have extended an invitation to the OSCE or EU to deploy an observation mission. A further factor can be the postponement of planned elections or the issuing of a limited call, as recently in relation to Timor-Leste where only Long Term Observers were sought by the EU. It is therefore difficult to provide a specific target for the number of observers to be deployed for 2017.

The European Union covers the costs associated with EU Election Observation Missions. For OSCE missions, the Department covers all costs incurred by the individual Irish election observers. This includes a daily allowance based on OSCE guidance, to cover the cost of food, accommodation and local transport costs in country. A return airfare is also provided. In addition, all Irish election observation roster members undertaking a mission, receive a once-off grant annually of €600 from the Department to cover pre-departure mission expenses. Insurance cover is also provided by the Department for all observers. There are no plans to review the conditions or allowances for observers.