Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has published an independent report examining how paramilitary groups could move towards disbandment.
The report by Fleur Ravensbergen was jointly commissioned with Ireland's justice minister under the framework of the Independent Reporting Commission.
It considers whether there is support for a formal process of engagement intended to bring about the transition and disbandment of armed groups.
The principal recommendation sets out a possible mechanism but says any process must complement existing work and be accompanied by a robust criminal-justice response.
Bryant said he would consider the findings and discuss them with the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, policing partners and community representatives. No mechanism has yet been adopted.
The Northern Ireland Secretary said paramilitary groups continued to engage in drug dealing, extortion and intimidation. He argued that ending their influence was necessary for communities still affected by fear and criminality.
