The body responsible for reporting on progress to end paramilitarism in Northern Ireland will keep its current leadership for an additional six months.

The Independent Reporting Commission (IRC), created under the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement, has had the terms of its four members extended to 31 March 2027.

The extensions were confirmed by Secretary of State Hilary Benn for the UK commissioner, Mitchell B. Reiss, and by the relevant authorities for the other nominees. Northern Ireland Executive appointees Monica McWilliams and John McBurney, along with Irish Government nominee Tim O’Connor, will all continue in their roles from 1 October 2026.

The IRC was established by treaty between London and Dublin to monitor how both governments and the Stormont executive are carrying out measures aimed at ending paramilitary activity. Its reports provide an independent assessment of progress.

Commissioner Reiss receives an annual salary of £22,750, which is not pensionable. The two Stormont-appointed members are paid a similar amount, while the terms for the Irish nominee are set by Dublin.

The appointments were made on merit, and the UK and Stormont nominees have declared no political activity in the past five years, a requirement under rules for public appointments.