The IRA has said it represents no threat to Protestant community workers in Belfast who have broken off contact with certain republican groups after allegations of spying.

The allegations came after the police informed a number of the community workers that they had uncovered personal profiles on some of them.

At a news conference on Monday, the Protestant Community Workers Association said the police warning that personal details and records of conversations had been kept by the IRA was a blow to the peace process.

These allegations are bogus and mischievous and are being exploited in an effort to undermine public confidence IRA statement

However, in a statement released to the republican newspaper An Phoblacht, the IRA described the threats as "bogus".

"These allegations are bogus and mischievous and are being exploited in an effort to undermine public confidence," the statement said.

"Our cessation remains intact."

Last year, the PSNI said it had broken up a major IRA intelligence gathering operation in Belfast.

Several people were arrested and charged in connection with the police operation.

'Republican files'

Thousands of documents and hundreds of computer disks were taken away for examination by detectives.

Among those attending the news conference was loyalist William Smith, a member of the Progressive Unionist Party who has been involved in cross-community work in Belfast.

Mr Smith said: "We can only view this as a serious breach of confidence, faith and trust.

"It is a betrayal of people involved in many years of dedicated and hard peace building.

"This work has now been seriously damaged by the despicable behaviour of elements within the Provisional IRA."

He is one of about 20 people who have been informed that their details have been found on republican files, which were uncovered as part of the investigation into alleged IRA intelligence gathering at Stormont.

Peter Bunting: To tell ICTU members to be wary of any future contacts

One source told the BBC there was evidence that confidential conversations had been noted and logged, and evidence that the IRA was profiling Protestant community workers.

Those contacted by the police are from Belfast, Antrim and Mid-Ulster.

Peter Bunting of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said he would tell members to be wary of any future contacts.

He said he would be demanding answers from the republican movement about the veracity of the claims and why they are targeting members of the trade union movement.

Sinn Fein said it understood the concerns of individuals but that stopping cross-community activities was a political stunt and not the way forward.

Northern Ireland's power-sharing executive was suspended on 14 October following a row over allegations of IRA spying within the Northern Ireland Office.