The Northern Ireland Executive is almost certain to meet on Thursday of next week, November 27th, for the first time since June 19th.

After a protracted series of meetings between Sinn Féin and the DUP aimed at resolving differences on key policies, First Minister Peter Robinson told the Assembly progress had been made.

Asked in the chamber today when the next Executive meeting was scheduled he simply told members: "The next Executive meeting is scheduled to take place on November 27th. However, in circumstances where an agreement was reached to hold an Executive meeting, it could take place sooner."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness did not address the House on the issue, but Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said he was hopeful a meeting would go ahead.

Speaking in Belfast city center where he held talks with Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, Mr Adams said: "There has been a lot of work done. Sinn Féin's position has always been that the Executive and the other institutions should be functioning - but on the basis of a partnership and equality. I hope we will be able to go forward on the basis I have just outlined."

Sinn Féin had said the DUP was unwilling to address policy issues republicans considered of importance and that this was evidence of an unwillingness to treat them as equals. The DUP was angry that Sinn Féin had used its veto to block Executive meetings.

News of the scheduling of an Executive meeting followed DUP and Sinn Féin party meetings at Stormont at which Assembly members were briefed on the progress made at talks between the two sides.

Mr McGuinness and Mr Robinson will meet tomorrow in private session the committee charged with overseeing the devolution of policing and justice powers, a core issue separating the two parties.

It is understood that while no precise timetable for devolution will emerge just yet, a set of steps will be agreed to prepare for the transfer of justice responsibility to Stormont from Westminster.

These could include the preparation of draft proposals relating to the handing over of the powers to be agreed before the Christmas recess and the outline of any legislation needed to be presented at Westminster.

It is further understood the DUP will engage in a series of party meetings at all levels to ensure its membership and supporters are in step with the party leadership on what is a sensitive issue for unionists.

There was no news tonight on progress on other contentious points of disagreement between the two sides including education reform, an Irish-language act and development of the former Maze prison site.

An Executive meeting this week would be expected to address financial issues including measures to relieve hardship among the elderly and the most vulnerable caused by the sharp rise in energy costs.