Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress of his consideration of the First Report of the Commission on Electronic Voting which was published on 15 December 2004; the plans he has for the use of the electronic voting system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11077/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the electronic voting equipment can be adapted for other uses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11432/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 275 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 55 of 9 February 2005. I am giving full consideration to the views of the Commission as set out in its first report, and I will ensure that its analysis will inform and guide my Department's programme of further assessment, testing and validation of the system. I intend therefore that all of the Commission's recommendations for action should be appropriately addressed in the work ahead.

The timing of the further use of the system is dependent on the progress made with this programme of work and the dates on which future polls may be held. In these circumstances, the issue of alternative uses of the relevant equipment does not arise.