Ministers discuss 'UDA fund' case

The Conflict Transformation Initiative has been linked to the UDA

An executive meeting to discuss the legal case around the UDA linked Conflict Transformation Initiative has taken place.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie faces a high court challenge to her decision to cut government funding to the scheme.

Stormont sources said the executive examined whether or not it could give retrospective approval to her actions.

It is understood no decision was taken at the meeting.

Ministers will revisit the matter again.

The issue caused serious tensions in the executive last year.

Ms Ritchie infuriated Finance Minister Peter Robinson when she announced she intended to cut the funding.

Mr Robinson accused her of acting without executive authority and breaching the ministerial code.

However, Ms Ritchie maintained she was within her rights to take the decision, which she announced when the UDA failed to begin decommissinog weapons after a 60-day deadline set for last October.