Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the decision by the High Court in Germany which ordered a return to the ballot box dismissing the country's electronic voting machines as out of keeping with the principle of fair and open elections; and if he will support this view here. [10768/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am aware of the recent decision in the German courts in relation to the future use of electronic voting machines in the conduct of elections held in that country.

Relevant experiences and developments in other jurisdictions are being taken into account in considering the next steps in relation to electronic voting and counting in Ireland. As part of this process, I am also taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, which has examined the system, 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 important that we come to the best possible decision. It is not possible to make more specific comment at this point on the project itself, or on future plans for the machines, pending completion of the necessary work and a decision by Government in the matter.