The British and Irish governments are to organise a new round of talks between the major parties in Northern Ireland.

The talks will get underway next week to discuss the fallout from claims that the IRA still exists.

There has been political uncertainty in Stormont after the PSNI made the claim the organisation still exists in some shape or form.

The PSNI has linked the group to the recent murder of former IRA member Kevin McGuigan. A 13th man has been arrested in connection with the investigation into the murder today.

The North's largest party, the DUP, has even threated to collapse the assembly - and restore direct rule from London - claiming it cannot be sure of Sinn Féin's commitment to peace.

The ruling body of the Ulster Unionist Party voted last weekend to withdraw from the power-sharing government

This evening Enda Kenny has announced round-table talks among the five major parties in the North to try and rebuild trust, and to maintain the power-sharing arrangements.

Although the talks will be short and intensive, they will also discuss the deadlock over the Stormont House agreement - so parties will also have to hammer out a deal on controversial reforms of the welfare system.

The Taoiseach says he spoke with British Prime Minister David Cameron by phone yesterday about the ongoing political crisis in the North, and that Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan will convene the talks.

Mr Kenny said, "if the sustainability of the devolved institutions is to be ensured, it is absolutely critical that these talks are advanced with a sense of urgency and that all of the parties constructively seize this opportunity".