Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if offers have been received for the electronic voting technology which is stored throughout the country at various locations with consequent liability for the taxpayer; if he will dispose of the equipment with a view to realising the initial investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36777/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the future use of the electronic voting technology; if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion that the technology is worthless and has no resale value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36779/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 212 together.

I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to the electronic voting and counting project. In this, I am taking into account the detailed work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, which has examined the system, relevant experiences and developments internationally, 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.

Given the scale of investment in the system to date, and the importance of the issues involved for our electoral system, it is essential that the future of the project be examined objectively and in a thorough and comprehensive manner. It is not possible for me to make more specific comment at this point pending completion of the necessary work and a decision by Government in the matter. In these circumstances, the question of formal offers in respect of purchase of the machines does not arise.