(15:41) The British government is reported to be planning to double the jail sentence of people convicted of rioting in the North.
New legislation is to increase the maximum jail term for public order offences from six months to one year.
Stormont Minister Des Browne said the tougher sentences reinforced the British government's view that riotous behaviour was a criminal activity, rather than just socially unacceptable.
He said that in future police would arrest rioters on the spot and that the offenders would face a lengthy prison sentence.
Stormont Minister Des Browne said the tougher sentences reinforced the British government's view that riotous behaviour was a criminal activity, rather than just socially unacceptable.