Roche rules out scrapping of e-voting machines

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has said he will not be scrapping the controversial electronic voting machines that have already cost Irish taxpayers more than €50m.

The machines were due to be introduced for elections in 2002, but this plan was abandoned after an independent assessment raised concerns about security and secrecy.

Yesterday, another independent report said it would cost millions more to address deficiencies in the system.

Speaking in Dublin today, Mr Roche said he would not scrapping the machines and the cabinet would instead look at best to rectify the problems.

"To correct it would cost a whole lost less than to scrap the machines," he said.