Independent report calls for time-limited process to dismantle paramilitary groups
An independent report has recommended a formal paramilitary transition process to help bring Northern Ireland’s remaining paramilitary structures to an end.
Published on 13 October, the report by Fleur Ravensbergen calls on the UK and Irish governments to establish an independent, time-limited mechanism to facilitate, monitor and verify progress.
It concludes that there is sufficient support to explore a formal transition process and what it describes as a limited window in which progress could be made.
Independent monitoring proposed
The central recommendation is the establishment of an independent paramilitary transition mechanism jointly developed by the UK and Irish governments.
Its functions would include providing an authorised point of contact, agreeing commitments and timescales with participating groups and independently monitoring and verifying progress.
Periodic public reporting is also proposed to improve transparency and allow communities to assess whether meaningful change is taking place.
No financial rewards
The report says any paramilitary transition process must operate alongside effective policing and a robust criminal-justice response.
It records strong opposition to financial incentives for paramilitary organisations or their members. No participating group should receive financial rewards in return for transition.
The report also recommends strengthening neighbourhood policing and long-term support for communities and young people affected by paramilitary influence.
PSNI stresses enforcement will continue
The Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomed publication of the report but said it would not tolerate paramilitary criminality.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police would continue investigating paramilitary activity and targeting organised criminality through the Paramilitary Crime Task Force.
Alliance deputy leader Eóin Tennyson said paramilitary organisations must not be treated as legitimate representatives of communities and called for enforcement and community investment to remain central to the response.
The two governments must now decide whether to accept the recommendation for the paramilitary transition and undertake the detailed work required to create the proposed mechanism.
External link: Read the independent paramilitary transition report