I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to the electronic voting project. 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.
I am not in a position, therefore, to be definitive regarding the timing of future use of the system. I am conscious of the extensive work inherent in the recommendations of the Commission on Electronic Voting, including the replacement of the election management software, as well as adaptations to the equipment and further end to end testing. At the very least, it will be problematic to envisage use of the current e-voting scheme at the Local and European Elections in 2009.
My Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on the issues arising in relation to the establishment of the Electoral Commission. The work is currently underway and is expected to be completed in August.