Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context

116. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names of persons appointed as international election observer to the Irish 2024 election observer roster; the number of such members that still have to receive an offer of deployment; the plans to provide such offers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27174/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Ireland's current five-year international Election Observation Roster was established on 1 January 2024 and has 171 members, whose names are attached to the answer to this Parliamentary Question.

Since the onset of the current cycle, 83 different members of the Roster have participated in election observation missions. 88 members have yet to participate.

There are only 3 members who have applied for a mission but who have not yet been selected. These members will be prioritised for the next available mission, in line with the Roster rotation policy which precludes us from nominating someone who has already participated during this cycle at the expense of a member who has not.

On occasions where there are more places available than there are first time cycle applicants, those remaining places go to the highest scoring candidates. This evaluation is based on experience, particularly election observation experience, relevant career background, and familiarity with country or region under observation.

We have increased the Roster budget by 50% this year, recognising the important role that international election observation continues to have in the promotion of democratisation, human rights, and the rule of law.