The Minister for Justice has ordered the Gardai to undertake a fresh assessment of the IRA and its activities.
Frances Fitzgerald says she wants Gardai to take into account information that the PSNI has uncovered as part of its investigation into the murder of Kevin Mc Guigan in Belfast.
Tanaiste Joan Burton says comments from the PSNI chief constable about the IRA are extremely concerning, while Sinn Fein insists the IRA no longer exists.
Minister Frances Fitzgerald says there are a number of meetings planned over the next week to discuss the latest security assessment.