Sinn Fein and the DUP are understood to have reached a deal to resolve the dispute that has led to political stalemate in the North for the past five months.

The power-sharing Executive has failed to meet since mid-June due to the row over the devolution of policing and justice powers from London to Stormont.

The DUP has been blocking the move, saying it needs more time to assess the IRA's future intentions.

Sinn Fein has responded by blocking Executive meetings and accusing the DUP of failing to work in a spirit of partnership.

Neither side has confirmed that a resolution has now been reached, but First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are due to brief a Stormont committee today on how they see the transfer of policing powers moving forward.

The briefing is understood to be part of an agreed process that could see an Executive meeting being held as early as Thursday.