Written answers

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Election Management System

8:00 pm

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 208: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial and legal implications of terminating the present storage contracts in view of his stated intention to have another inquiry into the use of the electronic voting machines in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6453/09]

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

My Department engaged consultants with valuation expertise in May 2007, following a competitive tendering process, to examine individual lease arrangements and to make recommendations as to termination of the leases where appropriate. In May 2008, I accepted the recommendations made by the consultants and these recommendations are in the process of being implemented. It is expected that, in certain instances, the termination of lease arrangements will give rise to buy-out costs and these will be dependent upon the outcome of negotiations.

As regards the future of the electronic voting and counting project, I am at present considering the next steps to be taken. In this, I am taking into account the 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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.