NI Paramilitary Organisations To Be Assessed

An independent assessment on the role of paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland is to be carried out, the UK Government has announced.

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers also said a fund is to be set up to tackle organised crime associated with paramilitary groups.

DUP leader Peter Robinson welcomed the announcements and said the Government is taking "concerns seriously".

Mr Robinson said: "We recognise the Secretary of State is now taking action to address the two concerns we had raised. We have consistently argued that ultimately the business of determining the long-term steps to address paramilitary links must be addressed and resolved through the talks.

"On the basis of the Secretary of State's statement today we will be participating in the Talks on Monday.

"I am not in the business of wrecking devolution. I want to see good, effective government in Northern Ireland. Whilst others may be focused on process this party is focused on getting the right outcome. Our objective for the Talks is to see the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and a mechanism to put all those engaged in terrorism and criminality out of business once and for all."

PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said: "The PSNI will provide full co-operation and support to all the measures that have been outlined.

"Organised Crime has a disproportionate effect on our most vulnerable communities and we welcome the clear focus on this issue.

"PSNI will continue to build on our work with the Organised Crime Taskforce, An Garda Síochána and our other partner agencies to tackle organised criminality.

"We welcome the independently reviewed assessment of paramilitary organisations announced by the Secretary of State and PSNI will play our part in assisting in this process."

(CD/MH)