The Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald says she supports the view of the PSNI Chief Constable - that the IRA still exists.

In a statement issued this evening, she said recent developments have raised concerns which need to be addressed fully.

Minister Fitzgerald said: 'An Garda Síochána will do anything they can to be of assistance to that investigation. It is important to emphasise that all our laws dealing with the IRA in any of its manifestations remain in place and will be implemented rigorously where there is evidence that they are breached.'

However, a senior Sinn Fein TD says the IRA does not exist, and will not be reconvening in future.

Caomhghin OÂ’Caolain was responding to calls by the Environment Minister on Gerry Adams to clarify that the organisation has fully disbanded.

Juliette Gash reports: