Bennett: IRA is believed responsible for his murder

The killing of Charles Bennett and an alleged IRA transatlantic gun running plot will be discussed when Dr Mowlam meets RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, and Army General Officer Commanding, Sir Hew Pike, for a regular security meeting.

Unrest on the streets of the Londonderry which involved petrol bomb attacks by nationalist youths following the loyalist Apprentice Boys march on Saturday is also on the agenda.

Following her return from holidays in the US, Dr Mowlam has warned that the continuing violence is "unacceptable".

"Paramilitary assaults, pipe bomb attacks and apparent arms procurement continue," she said.

"The brutal torture and murder of Charles Bennett is the most recent such act to disfigure the peace we are all seeking to build."

She warned that anyone convicted of recent violence - including Mr Bennett's killing - would not qualify for early release.

The IRA's most recent statement, on 5 August, declared that the gun-running was not sanctioned by its leadership.

"There has also been speculation about the recent killing of Charles Bennett - let us emphasise that there have been no breaches of the IRA cessation which remains intact."

While the focus of attention may be on the IRA ceasefire, violence by loyalist paramilitaries will also be discussed.

So-called punishment beatings continue to be carried out by paramilitary groups on both sides while the LVF is suspected of involvement in the pipebomb attack in which Portadown grandmother, Elizabeth O'Neill, was killed in June.