The Government has decided not to introduce the controversial electronic voting system in the June 11th European Parliament and local elections after an independent commission recommended against it this morning.
In a statement, the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, said the Government had noted the Commission on Electronic Voting was "unable to provide sufficient positive assurance, in the time available, in relation to using the chosen system of electronic voting at the June elections".
"The Government has decided that the electronic voting system will not be used at the June polls. These will be conducted in all constituencies on the basis of the traditional paper ballot. Arrangements will be in place to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the polls on June 11th."
Around €40 million has been spent on the electronic system. Mr Cullen noted the commission has identified and acknowledged the benefits of electronic voting and the fact that "the selected system can accurately and consistently record voter preferences.
"It emphasises that its conclusion is not based on any finding that the present system will not work, but on the desirability of allowing time for further testing and quality assurance. The commission makes detailed and valuable recommendations for the conduct of this further testing," the Minister's statement said. "In light of these Commission conclusions, and following further detailed study of them, the Government is confident that a good framework can be established to progress electronic voting in Ireland."
Mr Cullen added that the Government was "committed to ensuring greater participation in elections, to communicating the importance of the democratic process and, in particular, to support greater democratic involvement by younger voters".
The Commission on Electronic Voting presented its report on the secrecy and accuracy of the system to the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil this morning.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, had always said they would accept the recommendations of the e-voting commission.