However, their hatred of their neighbour and the level of sectarian malice that they feel towards ordinary men, women and children who happen to have been born into different communities and who have different opinions from theirs is such that they are prepared take the risk and visit violence upon them."

John O'Dowd said he supported the SDLP amendement because it reflects the current position.

He went on: "The motion notes the republican activity and violence throughout the North and condemns such activity. I have no difficulty in condemning any violent activity from whatever source, including on the part of dissident republicans. I have no difficulty whatsoever in doing that. In my constituency, there have been repeated attempts to murder police officers, and I have no doubt that further plots are in place at the moment. I appeal to anyone who has information about those plots to bring it to the attention of the PSNI. It is time to bring this matter to an end before someone is killed - otherwise we will fall into a downward spiral, and no one wants to go back to that.

"I have spoken to the communities that witnessed the rioting of only a few weeks ago. They know only too well what conflict and violence bring. They followed the coffins of their loved ones out of those estates during the worst periods of the conflict. Two young children were shot dead in a mobile shop in those estates. I can assure the House that no one in those areas wants to go back to those days."

Later in the debate Mr O'Dowd added: "I have met senior PSNI officers in my constituency, and my party has also met them regarding ongoing activity. I have said privately and I will say publicly that some people in the so-called dissident organisations are state agents, and they have been state agents for many years. Why have they been allowed to continue their activity? Is there someone in the intelligence services who is as opposed to the peace process as the dissident republicans?

"The PSNI must be allowed to do its job without intelligence agencies withholding information from it for whatever reason, as we have witnessed in recent days. I have a distinct feeling that people in the British intelligence agencies are opposed to the peace process and want to bring it down. We have a responsibility not to allow that to happen."