Members of the DUP and Sinn Féin in the Northern Ireland Assembly were due to be briefed today about behind the scenes efforts that have been taking place to resolve a row between the parties.
As a result of the disagreement Sinn Féin has been boycotting meetings of the power-sharing executive since June.
One point at issue between Sinn Féin and the DUP is about how and when political responsibilities for justice and policing matters should be transferred from Westminster to Stormont.
But they are at loggerheads on several other policy matters too.
As a result of the boycott, the general public's confidence in Stormont, at a time of recession, has weakened.
In recent weeks, representatives of the two main parties have held several behind the scenes meetings.
At the weekend Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness updated the Sinn Féin Ard-Chomhairle on what has been happening.
DUP leader Peter Robinson addressed his party's executive on Friday.
Today the DUP and Sinn Féin Assembly groups were in turn due to receive briefings.
