A THREE-person panel has been set up to develop plans for a strategy on how to disband paramilitary groups.
The panel, one of the key elements of the Fresh Start agreement, is made up of former Alliance leader Lord John Alderdice, academic and former Women's Coalition MLA Monica McWilliams, and solicitor John McBurney.
It will report to the Executive before the end of May.
First Minister Peter Robinson said there can be "no place for paramilitarism in the new Northern Ireland".
"This panel will point the way in which we as a society can remove their scourge once and for all and create a new and better future, free from the fear of intimidation, for generations to come."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said "armed groups or criminality" do not have a place in society.
"I have been at the forefront of challenging these people for many years and collectively we must now free society of these elements forever," he said.
Justice Minister David Ford said the panel will "complement the work already being done to fight organised crime and paramilitarism".
In October, a report ordered by the British government found that while the Provisional IRA and main loyalist groups still exist, they are committed to peace.
Jointly drafted by the PSNI and MI5, it was commissioned following the murder in August of Belfast man Kevin McGuigan.
The DUP temporarily left all but one of its ministerial posts after police said current PIRA members were involved in the McGuigan killing.
The report confirmed that the PIRA's ruling 'army council' remains in existence.
Loyalist groups were also said to have retained access to some weapons, with members - including some senior figures - involved in organised crime.
