The Irish Computer Society (ICS) has welcomed the decision to set up an independent authority to examine e-voting but Labour believes plans to introduce the system for the June local and European elections should be suspended.
Mr Michael O'Duffy of the ICS expressed concern about the debate surrounding the issue but said computer technology has improved democratic participation and that e-voting can further the process.
"Its roll-out will facilitate the greater participation by the public in decision making on key issues affecting our society beyond the prescribed local, national and European elections," Mr O'Duffy said.
He accepted concerns about the overall integrity of the system and said the review announced by the Taoisaech this week should be comprehensive with particular attention paid to procurement practise because the system was not developed in the State.
"No assumption can be made about the requirements for both ballot recording and ballot counting. Other requirements such as the need for reliability, security and audit are equally important," he said.
Labour Environment and Local Government spokesman, Mr Eamon Gilmore said that because of widespread concerns it would be "sensible" to suspend the plans for what will be nationwide voting for the first time.
E-voting was used in three constituencies during the general election in 2002.
"The period of time between now and June's elections is not sufficiently long enough for the system to be legislated for, technical concerns still have to be addressed and the issue of cost needs to be further investigated," Mr Gilmore said.
He said the Government would be irresponsible to spend public money on e-voting while the system had not been agreed.
"All this is happening at a time when there are still rat infested, substandard schools and when 57 millon is cut from the Social Welfare budget causing immense difficulties to the already vulnerable members of our society," he said.
He has written to the Minister of Environment and Local Government Mr Cullen that an attempt to rush legislation through the Oireachtas would be strongly resisted.
The Ombudsman Ms Emily O'Reilly has also suggested suspension of the plan for June may be necessary for the sake of public confidence.