Taoiseach welcomes condemnation of criminal activity by loyalist paramilitaries

9pm:The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has welcomed a commitment from loyalist paramilitaries to support the rule of law and expel members who engage in criminal activity.

The Red Hand Commando, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) issued a joint statement today, distancing themselves from any kind of criminal activity.