A special report on the state of the IRA, expected to include an assessment on the current role of the Provos' Army Council, was commissioned by the London and Dublin governments today.

Secretary of State Shaun Woodward and Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern have asked the Independent Monitoring Commission for “a fuller assessment” of the IRA's transformation.

The special report from the ceasefire watchdog could tie into current negotiations around the devolution of justice, because it will address specific DUP concerns about the IRA leadership.

The IRA ordered its units to stand down three years, but has not disbanded. Its leadership — the five-person Army Council — has given no indication about their own future.

In May the IMC issued its 18th report, saying the IRA was not involved in terrorist activity and “remained firmly committed to the political path”.

It also noted senior IRA people — like director of intelligence Bobby Storey — had been moved into political roles.

The Governments have asked for further clarification at a time when they are pushing the DUP to accept a timetable for the transfer of policing and justice powers to Stormont.

The DUP and Sinn Fein agreed this week that a single minister should run Stormont's justice department, but have yet to agree on when the powers should be devolved from Westminster.

Mr Woodward said today that that the report was being requested because there are still outstanding issues from the Troubles “for which we need greater clarification”.

The report is expected to be delivered by September 1, in just over three weeks.

It will be the second time the IMC has issued special reports.