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11 Dec 2025

Sinn Féin MLA welcomes report on progress towards ending paramilitary activity

Concerns are raised in the report around the presence of a ‘paramilitary element' in recent racist unrest and intimidation in housing

Election 'can change the course of history forever' - Sheerin

Emma Sheerin has welcomed the report.

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

10 Dec 2025 8:33 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has welcomed the eighth report by the Independent Reporting Commission on progress towards ending paramilitary activity.
The party’s justice spokesperson said: “Ten years after the concept of ending paramilitarism was initiated in the Fresh Start Agreement, it is welcome to see the eighth report by the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) on progress towards ending paramilitary activity.
“Key to this approach was and remains the adoption of the ‘twin-track’ approach which incorporated a policing and criminal justice response to paramilitarism alongside comprehensive measures to address the systematic sociological challenges facing individuals and working-class communities where paramilitaries operate.
“This approach allied to a shared resource allocation is vital to ensuring continued progress in degrading paramilitary gangs, while ensuring that their activities continue to decline. Paramilitary assaults and shootings are at their lowest levels in 41 and 17 years respectively.
“Concerns are raised in the report around the presence of a ‘paramilitary element' in recent racist unrest and intimidation in housing. In addition, the role of paramilitaries in the drug trade, either directly or through ‘taxing’ drug dealers is also noted in this report.
“The report makes recommends sustained, strategic investment in the criminal justice system; a continued focus on paramilitarism after the end of the Executive's programme on paramilitarism and organized crime in March 2027 and a whole system approach to tackling paramilitarism with collaboration, suitable structures, and ownership of responsibilities.
 
“We look forward to engaging with the IRC next month on the report in general, and specifically on the three recommendations outlined.” 

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