The RUC has said that all daytime British army foot patrols are to be withdrawn from all parts of Belfast city. Last week patrols were ended in the west of the city. Yesterday's announcement coincided with a decision by the British government to extend home leave for up to 450 republican, loyalist and non-paramilitary prisoners at Christmas.
They are to be allowed 10 days to visit their families. Last year most were given seven.
A Sinn Fein spokesman, Mr Michael Brown, said it was a very welcome development but still indicated the British government's "minimalistic approach" to prison issues.
"For too long the British government has attempted to give the impression of movement on prison issues. However, their approach to date has in the main been purely cosmetic. What is required at this point is serious action."
Mr Brown said there was "growing anger and resentment" that all Irish paramilitary prisoners in British jails had not been transferred. He said that by merely "tinkering" with Christmas home leave, the British government had let an important opportunity slip.
The North's Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, denied that the change in home leave was a political gesture. He said it was part of the "ongoing development of the prison regime in Northern Ireland" and was part of an overall programme aimed at prisoner rehabilitation.
Mr Ingram said he sympathised with the pain and distress suffered by victims of paramilitary violence when they heard of the release of those convicted of crimes against them. "However, I can reassure the whole community that the prison service undertakes a rigorous risk assessment, in all cases, before prisoners are released."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein is to meet the North's Education Minister, Mr Tony Worthington, before Christmas to discuss Irish-language issues.