What happens next
Dr Ian Paisley said "important preparatory work" needs to be addressed before May 8th "so that local ministers can hit the ground running".
He has agreed with Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness to hold regular meetings.
The British government will today introduce emergency legislation to facilitate the six-week extension before devolution begins.
Sinn Féin and the DUP will hold further talks with chancellor Gordon Brown on a financial package over four years to underpin devolution.
Detailed work will begin among all four executive parties on a programme for government. This will entail regular meetings involving the DUP, Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Ulster Unionists.
"Full preparations" for the restoration of powersharing have been agreed by Sinn Féin and the DUP.