Sinn Fein MPs Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness are set to be allowed to use House of Commons facilities for the first time.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson intends to table a motion to allow the two MPs access to Westminster.

If the motion is passed they would be able to make use of Commons facilities but without taking the oath of allegiance to the Queen they would still be barred from the chamber.

'Broad spectrum'

Speaking about the motion, Mr Mandelson said: "It will enable Sinn Fein members to associate with a broad spectrum of democratic representatives from across the UK and assist in their development as a party committed to democratic and peaceful means."

Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd previously barred the two Sinn Fein MPs from the Commons because they refused to swear the oath of allegiance and would not take their seats in the House.

But Mr Mandelson said the IRA ceasefire and Sinn Fein's positive role in the new power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland meant that it was time to reconsider.

He said: "The circumstances in Northern Ireland at the time that the speaker made her ruling were very different to the situation now."

"With the establishment of the executive and the cross-border institutions, the coming into effect of the British-Irish Treaty, and Sinn Fein actively and positively participating in the new administration, I believe it is now time to look again at how they should be treated at Westminster."

However, the proposal brought anger from the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Rev Ian Paisley.

He said: "It's absolutely outrageous. Here are people who refuse to take the oath of allegiance and take their seats and the traditions of the House of Commons are being set aside for them.

"This is a party the prime minister has said is inextricably linked with violence and the IRA who have not handed over their weapons. It's another capitulation by government."

The government motion, to be debated in the Commons early next, week would also give West Belfast MP Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness, who represents mid-Ulster, access to various allowances for office staff and facilities.

But they could not take part in any business on the floor of the Commons or participate in committees as long as they refused to take up their seats nor could they claim their salaries or pensions as MPs.