NORTHERN IRELAND First Minister and Deputy First Minister Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness are to appear before a Stormont committee which is examining plans for the devolution of policing and justice powers.
The move has prompted some optimism that progress is being made in a series of low-key private meetings between Sinn Féin and the DUP on the issue.
Justice devolution is at the core of the disagreement between the leading unionist and nationalist parties which has resulted in the Executive not meeting since June.
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister wrote to the committee of Assembly members on Monday. They have now arranged to meet the committee next Tuesday, but the proceedings will be in private.
The meeting, behind closed doors has been arranged despite a complaint by SDLP Assembly member Alex Attwood.
Accusing them of "delay, doubt and evasion" Mr Attwood said Mr McGuinness and Mr Robinson ought to have met the committee weeks ago and in public session.
"Given the political profile of the justice issue and raised public anxiety, the decision of the DUP and Sinn Féin to allow Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson appear in private does not contribute to confidence," Mr Attwood said.
"If the First and Deputy First Minister sign a letter on 28th July and it is public, they should be prepared to explain the letter, and do so in public."
Meanwhile, Denis Bradley of the Eames-Bradley Consultative Group on the Past has made it clear that his group is not proposing an amnesty for those involved in killings during the Troubles.
The group is also postponing publication of its final report until early next year because victims and bereaved say Christmas is the worst time for them.
However, William Frazer, who represents families of those killed by the IRA, has accused the consultative group of being disingenuous. He claimed the consultative group was seeking an amnesty by another name. "Our answer to amnesty by other means is 'no' - and we don't care who that offends. Justice is not for sale, the price is too great," he said.
The consultative group is tasked with making definitive proposals on how the sensitive and difficult subject of addressing the needs of victims and the bereaved should be addressed.
This raises issues such as disagreements over what constitutes a victim, whether republicans and loyalists killed during the conflict should be equated with other victims, allegations of British state collusion in killings, whether it is best "leave the past behind", and also the question of the cost of dealing with victims' needs.