A member of the Sinn Fein negotiating team in government formation talks insists '"there is no IRA , they have gone away."

Deputy Matt Carthy says he acts only on behalf of the people who elect him.

The comments come after the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said that the Provisional Army Council oversees the political party and the IRA.

A PSNI-MI5 report from 2015 claimed both the IRA and Sinn Féin are overseen by a council with a political strategy.

Commissioner Harris said the force's assessment "does not differ" from the PSNI.

Speaking to Moncrief on Newstalk , Deputy Matt Carthy said there were no longer IRA structures and there was a responsibility on everyone to protect the peace process.

Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have ruled out a coalition with Sinn Fein.

Deputy Carthy also said it wasn't unusual for a team of negotiators to have others working in the background and confirmed Gerry Adams and former MEP Lynn Boylan were providing support to the negotiating team.