The DUP has demanded that the early release of prisoners whose organisations did not co-operate with the international decommissioning body be stopped immediately.
After meeting the head of the decommissioning commission, Gen John de Chastelain, the party's deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson, hinted at the possibility of victims taking court action against the British government.
"It is abundantly clear from what the commission has told us that far from not co-operating fully, the IRA aren't co-operating at all; they aren't even in contact with the decommissioning body. Therefore, I believe the Secretary of State [Mr Peter Mandelson] is required by law to stop any further prisoner releases."
Mr Robinson said it was time the members of the decommissioning body were returning home. "Millions of pounds are being spent as a result of the existence of a body that has no purpose. After all, the commission could be back in place within 48 hours if there is any movement on the subject."
He said while Gen de Chastelain had told them there was still a possibility of the IRA disarming before the May 22nd deadline, the DUP had seen no indications of this. "Everyone recognises that the Provisional IRA have no intentions to decommission within the period under the Belfast Agreement."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein has reacted angrily to the DUP demand on prisoner releases. The North Belfast MLA, Mr Gerry Kelly, said a halt of prisoner releases would be "illegal".
"The Belfast Agreement, in relation to the early release of prisoners, clearly states that `prisoners affiliated to organisations which have not established or are not maintaining a complete and unequivocal ceasefire will not benefit from the arrangements'.
"The British government has accepted that the IRA's cessation is intact. This means that the IRA's prisoners are eligible for early release whether or not the IRA meet with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning."