Roche concedes e-voting will not be used at next election
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has reportedly conceded that the controversial electronic voting machines bought by his predecessor are unlikely to be used in the next General Election.
There were reports this morning that a spokesman for the minister said Mr Roche "did not envisage" the machines being used in next election, which must take place no later than summer 2007.
However, he also reportedly said there was no question of the electronic voting system being scrapped entirely.
The machines were purchased by current Minister for Transport Martin Cullen for €50m, but were put into storage when questions arose about their security and integrity.
Almost €400,000 has already been spent testing the system and those tests are still being carried out by consultants appointed by the Government.
The voting machines are currently costing the State around €685,000 annually to store at various warehouses throughout the country.
