Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he proposes to dispose of the obsolete electronic voting technology; the extent to which it may be possible to recover some or any of the original expenditure for the benefit of the Exchequer; if other jurisdictions have expressed an interest in acquiring the technology; if an attempt was made to contact other jurisdictions in which this or similar technology is in use with the objective of possible sale; if contact was made with the government of India wherein one of his predecessors indicated this technology was in regular use; the all-in cost of this episode including commitments arising from storage or maintenance on a phase by phase basis and including initial research, manufacture and promotion costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18155/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has investigated possible alternative uses for the redundant electronic voting technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18416/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from interested parties who might have an interest in acquiring the electronic voting technology surplus to requirements here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18417/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 118 and 119 together.

I indicated on a number of occasions that I was considering the position in relation to the electronic voting and counting project. On 23 April 2009, I announced that the Government have decided not to proceed with the implementation of electronic voting in Ireland. In announcing the decision, I stated that significant additional costs would arise to advance electronic voting in Ireland and that the decision had been taken to avoid such costs, especially at a time of more challenging economic conditions. The financial and other resources that would be involved in modifying the machines in advance of implementation could not be justified in present circumstances. I also stated that the public in broad terms appear to be satisfied with the present paper-based system and this must be recognised in decisions on the future steps to be taken with the electronic voting system.

A process will now be put in place, including discussions with the supplier, to address the disposal of the electronic voting and counting equipment and termination of storage arrangements. Proposals made to my Department in this regard will be considered as part of the process. To date, there have been no contacts with other jurisdictions along the lines referred to in the questions.

The total expenditure on the development and roll-out of the electronic voting system to date is some €51.3 million, the bulk of which has been incurred in purchasing the voting machines and ancillary equipment. These costs are set out in the following table. Electronic Voting and Counting Project - Expenditure to Date

Based on figures received in my Department from Returning Officers, the total annual costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment (including the cost of insurance, service charges, rates and heating) for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were some €658,000; €696,000; €706,000; €489,000; and €204,000, respectively. In 2007, over 60% of the electronic voting machines (some 4,762 in total) were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp. Costs incurred in respect of the movement and storage of this equipment are some €328,000.