The fifth report of the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) has been published this week and highlights the continuation of paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland.
The Report also sets out the progress made to date on the implementation of the provisions of the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement that are designed to tackle activity and associated criminality to end paramilitarism in the North.
While acknowledging that paramilitarism is not on the same scale as it was during the Troubles, the IRC report highlights how paramilitary groups remain active and continue to exert coercive control in some communities.
It says the risks posed to society by the continuing existence of paramilitary groups and structures means that paramilitarism remains a clear and present danger in Northern Ireland.
The Commission says it remains committed to the twin track approach to tackling paramilitarism - a policing and justice response, side by side with a comprehensive addressing of the systemic, socio-economic issues facing communities where the paramilitaries operate.
Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys said that paramilitary groups carry out appalling crimes targeting police and prison officers, and engage in violent attacks in their own communities.
She pointed out that even in recent weeks the targeting of PSNI served to strengthen the case for the need to continue with the concerted effort to tackle paramilitary activity.
The Minister added how unacceptable is that almost 25 years after the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, paramilitary groups continue to exert control in the communities in which they operate, and beyond.
She says that as the IRC identified, paramilitarism is a complex phenomenon and therefore requires a multifaceted whole-of-government response to bring it to an end. "I welcome that the IRC reports that some of the data around paramilitary activity showed reductions in 2022 and that Phase Two of the Tackling Paramilitarism Programme is beginning to achieve tangible benefits.
"I also welcome the recognition by the IRC of the continued good co-operation between the two jurisdictions at various levels including via the Joint Agency Task Force.
"There is of course still work to be done and we will continue working with the authorities in Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Independent Reporting Commission on tackling this complex problem," she said.
