Vol. 564 No. 1
173 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider introducing e-voting, along the lines of the experiment in e-democracy introduced by the Greek EU Presidency, during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2004 (details supplied). [7088/03]
The European Union, Presidency website has become one of the most important mediums of communications for the country holding the EU Presidency. The website is readily accessible to all throughout the EU and beyond and, in respect of several recent Presidencies, has become the most widely used source of information by member states, journalists and the general public.
The process of developing the Irish Presidency website is currently under way. The website will be capable of delivering a range of Presidency related services, including discussion forums and the capability to deliver e-voting and e-democracy processes. However, there is currently some concern in relation to the security of e-vote sites throughout the world wide web. Prior to deciding if the Irish Presidency website will contain an e-vote service similar to that currently available on the Greek Presidency website, the Presidency Website Project Board will have regard to the experience of the Greek Presidency and others involved with e-voting in relation to security concerns.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Government, in conjunction with the schools information initiative, is currently running an e-vote project for all primary and post-primary schools on the Scoilnet website. As the Deputy will be aware, each country holding the Presidency of the European Union adopts a logo which forms part of the branding for the Presidency and is an integral part of the image of the country during the course of the Presidency. All schools have been asked to vote electronically for one of three shortlisted logos that appear on the Scoilnet website. In effect, the pupils of Ireland will choose the logo for the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2004.
