Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said it is well past time for paramilitary organisations to go, speaking after the publication of the Independent Report on Paramilitary Group Transition to Disbandment. The South Belfast MLA urged swift implementation of its recommendations by both governments.

"This report was commissioned by the British and Irish governments and responsibility for progressing its recommendations lies with both governments," said Ms Hargey.

"Sinn Féin remains clear that it is unacceptable that these unwanted paramilitaries, who drive fear and misery in communities, continue to exist.

"There is no place for paramilitaries in our society and they should disband immediately. "I recognise the report's emphasis on strengthening neighbourhood policing and the importance of the PSNI reflecting the communities it serves and believe that the PSNI need to act urgently to address this.

"The report also recognises the importance of the 'twin-track' approach which incorporated a policing and criminal justice response to paramilitarism alongside comprehensive measures to address systematic socio-economic challenges, and I welcome the recommendation for targeted and sustained initiatives aimed at benefiting and empowering young people.

"Sinn Féin will engage with both governments on this report moving forward and re-iterate the message that paramilitaries must leave the stage immediately."