New treaty establishes the Independent Reporting Commission

NI Secretary James Brokenshire will travel to Dublin today to sign the deal and to meet Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan (pictured) for discussions on the consequences of Brexit.

Mr Brokenshire said: “The IRC provides for an independent review of progress towards disbanding paramilitary groups which continue to blight our society.

“For generations, paramilitary activity wrecked lives in Northern Ireland, and for many people the repercussions continue.”

The commission will be able to make recommendations to the Northern Ireland Executive to inform future Programme for Government priorities and commitments.

The IRC will have four members, with the British and Irish governments nominating one member each and the Northern Ireland Executive two members.

Mr Flanagan said: “This is an important step in implementing the Fresh Start Agreement provisions to eliminate paramilitarism and tackle organised crime.”

He added: “As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, it is vital that the Irish and British governments continue to work together in a spirit of partnership to deliver on the full promise of that agreement and subsequent agreements.

“Of course, we will also be continuing our discussions on the implications for Northern Ireland of a UK-exit from the EU.”