Sinn Féin has signalled it would take part in a Stormont committee aimed at preparing for devolved government.
The party's chief negotiator, Martin McGuinness, said today that Sinn Féin's decision was in line with its policy of taking part in Assembly business aimed at securing the restoration of political institutions under the Belfast Agreement.
It is envisaged that the Preparation for Government Committee will consider proposals on how a ministerial code of ethics and a pledge of office should work at Stormont, including the suggestion that ministers will have to state their support for the police.
Among the other issues it will also examine will be the relationship between the Assembly and ministers as well as the power-sharing executive and North-South institutions.
The four parties forming a power-sharing executive in the event of devolution returning - the DUP, Sinn Féin, Ulster Unionists and the SDLP - would be entitled to up to three seats, while the cross-community Alliance Party could claim up to two.
However, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain came under fire from the SDLP last week over his proposal to set up the committee.
SDLP deputy leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell accused Mr Hain of tailoring the committee to suit the Rev Ian Paisley's party when he assured the DUP that negotiations would not take place in the committee - but would take place with the governments.
MLAs were given until today by Mr Hain to declare whether they would participate in the committee which will meet ahead of the talks involving the Irish and British leaders.
Mr McGuinness today called on the DUP to participate on the committee at a leadership level.