The Northern Executive has announced a €3.5m funding boost for groups working with victims and survivors of the Troubles.

The North's largest paramilitary group was warned today Government funding for its political wing could be cut off unless it decommissions its weapons.

A senior European Union official will today continue his two-day visit to the North in a bid to raise awareness of his role in investigating complaints against institutions in Brussels.

Sinn Féin tonight criticised a programme designed to distribute around £134m for peace building in the North for entrenching sectarian differences.

Hate crimes against transsexuals and transvestites in the North will be recorded separately by police from today.

More than 200 people have completed a college course in stewarding loyalist band parades, it emerged today.

A trauma centre for the victims and survivors of Northern Ireland’s Troubles was boosted today under a £6.75m package announced by the Government.