Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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81. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the elections observation briefing roster has been capped at approximately 200 when there are many qualified candidates interested in filling these roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14790/19]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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85. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the election observation briefing note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14912/19]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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87. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 12 March 2019, if he will address a series of concerns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14965/19]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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99. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address matters (details supplied) further to the election observation briefing note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15190/19]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 85, 87 and 99 together.

A new international election observation roster was put in place in January 2019. A detailed Information Note on the process has been made available to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, and is also attached to this response.

The roster has been capped at approximately 200 members since it was reformed in 2013.  This enables Ireland to nominate approximately 60 observers each year over the lifespan of a 5-year roster. This number also facilitates a wide range of skills, abilities and experiences and allows for an appropriate level of rotation within the roster. A significant volume of work is involved in managing a 5-year relationship with 200 different individuals and, subject to individual mission needs, in ensuring that each roster member has an equal opportunity to be nominated for overseas missions. The final roster number will be made available to the House when the security vetting of all those shortlisted to the roster is complete.

On the basis of its terms of reference, and of the original application and appeals case submitted by the individuals concerned, the appeals panel considered that there was sufficient justification for two appellants to be shortlisted to the roster, subject to security vetting.

Further to market research conducted by the Department, and on the basis of the company’s quality assurance expertise, a contract was signed with an independent calibration service to monitor the second stage assessment of applications. This was done in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services. Neither employees of the company nor Departmental staff members who have a role in implementing the roster assessed the applications which met the essential criteria identified in the Volunteer Information Booklet (i.e. the second stage assessment).