Premier Chen Chien-jen says the indefinite suspension of the government's
planned electronic ID program is expected to result in monetary compensation
of up to 280-million N-T to the bid-winning contractors.

The premier says that figure was agreed in during mediation talks between the
Public Construction Commission -- which oversaw the bid process -- and
contractors.

The premier says it's now hoped the total amount "will be less than
280-million N-T."

The head of the Public Construction Commission says the agreement was reached
in January this year following several rounds of mediation.

Reports have indicated the contractors involved in the project originally
wanted 524-million N-T for equipment costs and maintenance fees plus
526-million N-T in compensation.

The government accepted bids for development of the electronic ID system in
early 2020, when it touted a scheduled roll-out date of July 2021.

However, the plan met with a public backlash due to concerns about privacy
and personal information leaks.

The Cabint was forced to formally scrap the plan in January of 2021.