Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The costs that have been associated with the e-voting machines are of the order which the Deputy pointed out and clearly they will not be used in this country. The question of their disposal is under consideration. It is true that they represent a loss to the Exchequer, which is a great disappointment. The decision not to proceed was taken by the Government on the basis that it would not be possible to get all party agreement for the e-voting machines.

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