The Government has, in conjunction with the UK Government, today published the latest reports from the Independent Monitoring Commission and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.  The Government again acknowledges its appreciation of the valuable work undertaken by both Commissions.

The IMC report was sought by both Governments particularly in the context of the PIRA statement last July. 

The IMC assessment in relation to PIRA reflects the complexity of the transition which is taking place in that organisation.  The Government welcomes the positive findings of the IMC in regard to the continuing transition from paramilitary activity by PIRA and, in particular, notes that the Commission are now in a position to take "the firm view that the present PIRA leadership has taken the strategic decision to end the armed campaign and pursue the political course which it has publicly articulated".  The absence of evidence of PIRA paramilitary activity since last July including authorised attacks, recruitment, training, targeting and involvement in rioting is of particular note.  At the same time the Commission also identify some issues of concern particularly in relation to criminal activity and the gathering of intelligence which must be addressed in maintaining and building on the progress which has undeniably been made.

Elsewhere the IMC report paints a disturbing picture in relation to activities of both loyalist paramilitary organisations and dissident republican organisations although the Government welcomes the fact that there is evidence in the case of loyalist organisations of some positive movement.

The IICD report deals with two issues: the decommissioning of loyalist weaponry and matters relating to PIRA decommissioning last September which are also referred to in the IMC report.  The Government welcomes the continuing engagement of the Commission with representatives of loyalist paramilitary organisations and the Commission's conclusion that their assessment last September in relation to the decommissioning of PIRA arms remains correct.

When they met last week the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair said that Northern Ireland cannot afford either complacency or prolonged stalemate and that 2006 would be a decisive year for the peace process.  With the publication of these reports the Governments now look forward to the talks involving all the parties which will begin on 6 February with the aim of setting out the arrangements and timetable for the restoration as soon as practicable of the devolved institutions under the Good Friday Agreement.

The two reports are being published this afternoon on the website of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (www.justice.ie).

1 February 2006.