Paragraph 1

Northern Ireland

(1)

This paragraph applies where a prisoner who makes an application to Commissioners under section 3(1) is serving a sentence of imprisonment in Northern Ireland and the sentence was passed in England and Wales or Scotland.

(2)

Where the applicant is serving a sentence of imprisonment for a fixed term, the Commissioners shall grant the application if (and only if)—

(a)

the sentence is for a term of at least five years,

(b)

the sentence was passed for an offence equivalent to a qualifying offence, and

(c)

the second and third conditions in section 3 are satisfied.

(3)

Where the applicant is serving a sentence of imprisonment for life, the Commissioners shall grant the application if (and only if)—

(a)

the sentence was passed for an offence equivalent to a qualifying offence, and

(b)

the second, third and fourth conditions in section 3 are satisfied.