The Northern Secretary, Peter Hain, has confirmed that Sinn Féin will not have to formally declare support for policing until it assumes ministerial posts on 26 March next year.
Mr Hain was speaking following the publication at Westminster of proposed legislation to give effect to the St Andrews Agreement, which - it is hoped - will lead to the restoration of power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has appealed to republicans to judge the ministerial pledge in the overall context of wider political progress, saying it only applies when people are to become ministers next March.
The Government has called on the parties to consider the legislation in an open and positive manner, arguing it offers a definitive chance to set Northern Ireland on a new course for the future.
A meeting of the Programme for Government Committee will take place next Monday, with all sides represented at leadership level.
However, it appears unlikely Dr Ian Paisley will lead the DUP delegation.
Since the St Andrews talks five weeks ago, there has been no dialogue between the DUP and Sinn Féin.
