Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 453: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the decision by the Dutch Government following an extensive series of tests by a variety of agencies including the Dutch intelligence services to abandon the same e-voting machines currently owned by the Government here and to abandon their overall e-voting project in view of the fact that it offers insufficient benefits over the existing pen and paper system; if he will take the decision to abandon the e-voting project here and dispose of the machines for maximum return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20956/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of recent developments in the Netherlands in relation to electronic voting, including a statement from the Dutch Government setting out its intention to end plans to introduce a new electronic voting system, as recommended in a Dutch official report from January 2008, in favour of voting by paper ballot. My Department also maintains contact with other developments internationally in relation to electronic voting.

As far as our own jurisdiction is concerned, the Commission on Electronic Voting in its Final Report in 2006 concluded that the voting equipment chosen for use in Ireland could be used, subject to further work which it also recommended. As I have already indicated, I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to this project. In this, I am taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, relevant experiences and developments internationally, and the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.