the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the range of price quotes for technology for electronic voting at elections; and the price agreed with the successful bidder. [8437/01]
Written Answers. - Electronic Voting.
117.
Richard Bruton
Question:118 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the voting technology selected for the trials for electronic voting in elections provided an audit trail whereby the final result can be tracked back to the original ballot; the form of testing which is being undertaken to proof the system against viruses or tampering; and the advantages which he perceives from electronic voting at general elections compared to the present system. [8438/01]
I propose take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
Tender prices for the provision of an electronic voting and counting system ranged from £20 million (25.4 million) to £48 million (61million). The successful tender was received from a Dutch-UK company Nedap-Powervote in the amount of £25 million (31.7 million). Phase 1 of the project will involve extensive testing of the voting machine, election management software and PR-STV count software. Testing will be undertaken by my Department, returning officers, the Local Government Computer Services Board and by independent third parties to ensure the integrity of the system. A contract will only be entered into with the preferred supplier following successful testing and Government approval. The system chosen provides for an audit trail which can produce a complete list of votes and preferences cast by voters allowing a manual count to take place, if so ordered by the High Court.
The move to electronic voting and counting will involve a radical change to the way in which elections are held in this country. It will make it easier for the public to vote, provide election results within a few hours of close of poll, improve the efficiency of electoral administration, support a positive image of the country in use of information technology and will help to modernise our democracy.