Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
81 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs incurred in relation to electronic voting equipment in the seven month period since his decision on 23 April 2009 not to proceed with electronic voting; when he anticipates that this equipment will cease to be a cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42939/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra452 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the success he has had in disposing of the electronic voting technology; if he has received any offers from other jurisdictions; the methods of disposal under examination having particular regard to the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43375/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos. 81 and 452 together.
On 23 April 2009, I announced that the Government had decided not to proceed with implementation of electronic voting in Ireland. Since then, a process has been put in place to address the issues that arise from the decision. An interdepartmental task force, chaired by my Department, has been established to bring the project to an orderly conclusion and to oversee disposal of the equipment and termination of storage arrangements. To date, the task force has met twice, in July and November 2009, and it aims to complete its work as soon as possible.
In considering options for disposal of the equipment, the priority is to pursue the most economically advantageous approach, with a view to achieving the maximum recovery of cost possible in the circumstances, consistent with environmental and other obligations. Detailed consideration of all relevant factors is under way to inform the manner in which disposal of the machines will be effected. This includes contact with the original suppliers of the machines.
Details in respect of costs incurred for the storage of electronic voting equipment are gathered annually by my Department from Returning Officers, in January each year. Figures for storage costs in 2009 are therefore not yet available. 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 2008 were some €204,000.
