Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I think the Minister is trying to advocate something similar to what the Fianna Fáil Ministers did in the past — recycling the machines. The Minister knows that the Irish and Dutch jurisdictions are saying that this particular type of machine will not provide confidence in our democratic system. It will not ensure that the Irish people can vote and be confident that their intention may be verified. In the light of the Irish and Dutch experiences and the commission report at his disposal, there is no need for further evidence or reports. Will the Minister give an undertaking to the House that he will scrap these machines and start the process on electronic voting again?

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