Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of costs to date for the storage of electronic voting machines in each area. [18026/06]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of purchase, storage, consultant fees related, reports and staff training related to the electronic voting machines. [18027/06]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if consideration has been given for an exit strategy in relation to the electronic voting machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18028/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 to 550, inclusive, together.

The total cost incurred to date in the development and roll-out of the electronic voting and counting system is some €51.3 million. In addition, information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage cost for the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment is some €696,000. The table below sets out annual storage costs for each of the 25 locations.

A programme of further assessment, testing and validation of the electronic voting and counting system is under way to address issues raised by the Commission on Electronic Voting and demonstrate that the system operates reliably, securely and accurately. The timing of the further use of the system is dependent on the progress made with this work and the ongoing work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, the associated decisions arising in this regard, and the dates at which future polls may be held.