A review into MPs' expenses has ruled that Sinn Fein MPs will be able to continue claiming allowances for their London accommodation bills.
Sir Christopher Kelly's long-awaited report on MPs' expenses was published on Wednesday.
The chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life said Sinn Fein's allowances should stay, and stated any change to the system would be a political decision and not one for his committee.
Read Ken Reid's blog: Money, money, money
Sinn Fein's MPs were granted access to House of Commons expenses and allowances in 2001, although they refuse to take their seats.
Sir Christopher's document also recommended an end to double-jobbing, preferably by 2011 or by 2015.
Sixteen out of Northern Ireland's 18 MPs are also currently serving as MLAs, and will have to choose between Westminster and Stormont.
Sir Christopher also ruled that the practice of MPs employing members of their families at the taxpayer's expense should be brought to an end by the end of the next Parliament, or within five years.
This would affect a number of DUP MPs including Peter and Iris Robinson, and Jeffrey Donaldson.
The Kelly report also states that MPs should no longer be able to claim for their mortgages and that the controversial practice of "flipping" properties should no longer be possible.
In future, MPs should only be able to claim for rent or hotel costs, while the expenses scheme should only cover council tax, utility bills, telephone line rental and calls, security, contents insurance and removals at the beginning and end of a tenancy.
The costs of cleaning, gardening, furnishings and other items would not be claimable.
The chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life said that his blueprint was "fair and reasonable" and would bring Westminster into line with other walks of life and other legislatures.
He acknowledged that his wide-ranging proposals would mean "substantial change" for MPs and said that, where necessary, they should be phased in with a suitable period of transition.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has accepted "in full" the Kelly report.
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