Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has indicated that the International Monitoring Commission should be reinstated to provide clarification on the existence of the IRA.
Responding to a question on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics, on whether or not the International Montoring Commission should be re-established, Minister Flanagan said: "The people of Northern Ireland and the politicians want a reassurance that the criminality will come to an end.”
He said there is clear evidence of diesel laundering and other criminality and that in the medium term a clarification structure was needed and independent monitoring was also warranted.
He said retired US Senator and special envoy to Northern Ireland Gary Harte will be involved in upcoming talks and expects a resolution within four to six weeks.
Also speaking on the programme, Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Padraig MacLochlainn reiterated his party's belief that the IRA no longer exists.
He said there was only one leadership of republicanism and that was the elected Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle.
Mr MacLochlainn said that anybody involved in diesel smuggling, cigarette smuggling or any other kind of criminality are criminals.
Mr Flanagan said there is "a crisis of confidence" in the North, adding: "We have had an element of brinkmanship in recent days and it’s important that parties engage in reflection over the weekend ahead of this week's talks.”
He said that the Irish and British governments can come in and provide the tools for negotiations.
Fianna Fáil's Sean O'Fearghail, meanwhile, suggested reestablishing the IMC as a means to rebuild trust.
Foster waiting on UK govt proposals before talks
The DUP's Arlene Foster, who is standing in as the North Ireland First Minister after party leader Peter Robinson stepped aside from the position this week in the row over the IRA, has said her party would wait for proposals by the British government before deciding whether or not to enter talks at Stormont scheduled for tomorrow.
Speaking on RTE Radio 1's This Week programme, Ms Foster said the DUP was committed to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and dealing with paramilitary activity linked to a party of government.
Ms Foster said she believed an independent body was needed to help to deal with the difficulties in which the power-sharing executive found itself.
She said the DUP would also like to see the National Crime Agency being more active on all strands of criminality and paramilitary activity in the North.
