Sinn Féin came under British government pressure in the House of Commons today when Northern Ireland Security Minister, Ms Jane Kennedy, said the party has "serious questions" over the activity of the Provisional IRA.
Referring to the "barbaric" assaults blamed for the North's high suicide rate - especially among young men - she said the role of the IRA was causing "deep concern".
Standing in for Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy, in the US for St Patrick's Day celebrations, she told the Commons there had been 172 paramilitary-style attacks, two murders, 112 shootings and 39 bombings in the last month.
Ms Kennedy said: "These are all matters we keep under constant review. The activities of the Provisional IRA are a cause for deep concern.
"They will very much feature in the talks that will be taking place over the coming days as we work to progress the political talks within Northern Ireland as we seek to find a resolution to this.
"But there are indeed very serious questions for a party like Sinn Féin, that is associated with a paramilitary terrorist organisation, to answer.
It is wrong to call the attacks "punishment beatings", she added.
PA