Chairman of the Parades Commission Peter Osborne has responded to calls for the watchdog body to engage in the flag protests issue.
He said the vast majority of protests are not parades and, therefore, the Commission does not have a role.
“Where people have decided to hold parades to highlight their concerns many have notified lawfully and we have taken decisions,” he said.
“One event, albeit with higher profile, has decided not to notify and has, therefore, chosen to act outside the law.
“The law is very clear. It is an offence to organise or participate in a parade that has not been notified through the appropriate form to the Police.
“In upholding the law, the Police have a number of options open to them including stopping the parade and gathering evidence for potential prosecution.”