Political parties in the North have asked the British Prime Minister David Cameron for stg£2bn (€2.5bn).

The parties have presented the proposals to Northern Secretary, Theresa Villiers.

The money, which would be drawn down over 10 years, would help alleviate welfare changes and budget cuts.

However it would also fund an investigation into the past.

The discussions on the North's budget, the past, flags and parades are due to resume on Monday.

Yesterday, the parties reached a deal on welfare reform.

They have been in discussions since a summit with Mr Cameron and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Belfast last week ended without agreement.

In a tweet, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said there had been a 'step change in negotiations'.

A step change in negotiations !!Our team focussed but more to do !! pic.twitter.com/YKnQA57BAi

— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) December 19, 2014