11. To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the security threat posed by each of the Irish terrorist groups proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000. (144675)

The Provisional IRA no longer poses a terrorist threat, and has not done so for some time. However, Dissident Republicans, though few in number and isolated, continue to pose a serious threat to the security situation.

Given the recent statement by the UVF, I have commissioned a review of the status of specified organisations in line with my obligation under the legislation. We have always maintained that we will encourage those who want to work to a positive agenda, and it is vital that the welcome statement is followed through with actions.