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A ministerial working group set up to help seek a resolution for members of the Presbyterian Mutual Society met on London on Wednesday.

Thousands of savers have been unable to access their money since the society entered administration in 2008.

Secretary of State Owen Paterson chaired the meeting

He said: "We are fully aware of the urgency of this matter. The meeting confirms the will which exists to work together in seeking a solution."

The meeting was attended by First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, Northern Ireland Minister Hugo Swire and Mark Hoban, financial secretary to the Treasury.

Mr Robinson said the Executive was "committed to delivering the best possible solution for PMS savers".

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Paterson said he and the prime minister were fully committed to finding a fair resolution.

"There is no easy answer, but I am keen to consider all available options to ensure PMS members are treated fairly.

"We have identified several courses of action which will be pursued with urgency over the summer, and we are all clear that it will be important for PMS members that we reach a conclusion as quickly as possible after that."

The ministerial working group is to meet again in September.