(1) In the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1216 (N.I. 1)), after Article 20 insert -

"Terrorist prisoners

20A Restricted eligibility for release on licence of terrorist prisoners

(1) This Article applies to a fixed-term prisoner (a "terrorist prisoner") who -

(a) is serving a sentence imposed (whether before or after the commencement date) in respect of an offence within paragraph (2); and

(b) has not been released on licence before the commencement date.

(2) An offence is within this paragraph (whenever it was committed) if -

(a) it is specified in Part 2, 4, 5 or 7 of Schedule 2A (terrorism offences punishable with imprisonment for life or more than two years);

(b) it is a service offence as respects which the corresponding civil offence is so specified; or

(c) it was determined to have a terrorist connection.

(3) The Department of Justice shall release the terrorist prisoner on licence under this Article as soon as -

(a) the prisoner has served the relevant part of the sentence; and

(b) the Parole Commissioners have directed the release of the prisoner under this Article.