Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted
Paragraph: 102
Conduct a scoping exercise to assess public support for a paramilitary group transition process.
Recommendation
We have heard evidence both for and against the establishment of formal process of Group Transition. On the one hand, we are concerned that a Group Transition process aimed at the disbandment of paramilitary groups could inadvertently risk reinforcing the status of such groups and fail to displace the coercive control they hold over some communities. On the other hand, we have heard that a strategy to end paramilitarism that does not engage with the continued existence of paramilitary structures ignores the elephant in the room. For any process to have a chance of The effect of paramilitary activity and organised crime on society in Northern Ireland 51 success, it must hold the confidence of political parties and receive widespread public support in Northern Ireland. The Government should conduct a scoping exercise to assess public support for such a process which should include dedicated engagement with those who have suffered violence and harm from paramilitary groups.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation for a formal paramilitary group transition process and is committed to taking forward further work, including independent scoping and engagement, to assess public support and merit for such a process.
Paragraph Reference:
102
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The UK Government acknowledges the recommendations that have been made by the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) and others who suggest that, in addition to the existing law enforcement, criminal justice and socio-economic response to paramilitarism, there should be a formal process of engagement aimed at facilitating paramilitary group transition to disbandment. We have engaged widely on these recommendations and it is clear that this is a complex and sensitive issue. For such a process to have potential to successfully deliver, it is likely to require support from local political leaders and communities across Northern Ireland, including those who have suffered violence and harm from paramilitary groups. The UK Government is committed to taking forward further work, including through independent scoping and engagement, to assess whether there is merit in and support for a formal process that ensures the transition to disbandment of paramilitary groups given the continuing impact of violence and harm on communities.