Part 1: Sentencing of terrorist offenders Section 24: Terrorism sentence with fixed licence period: Northern Ireland
Section 24 makes the corresponding amendments as made under section 23 of this Act but in respect of Northern Ireland. Section 24 inserts Article 15A to the 2008 Order to make provision for a new type of sentence for terrorist offenders with a fixed licence period of 12 months. Those receiving this sentence will only be eligible for early release at the two-thirds point of the custodial part of their sentence if the Parole Commissioners decides that they do not pose a risk to the public. On release, offenders will be subject to a minimum one-year licence period, regardless of whether they are released early or serve their full custodial term in detention. This aligns with the approach taken under section 23 in Scotland, and to the special sentence for offenders of particular concern in England and Wales, as amended by section 22.
	New Article 15A(1) requires that the court must impose the new terrorism sentence, where a person is convicted after the commencement of this provision of a serious terrorism offence, a terrorism offence within Part 4 of Schedule 2A (as inserted by this Act) that is punishable with more than two years’ imprisonment, or any other offence where a terrorist connection is made.
	Paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) clarify that this new type of sentence must apply where the court is not required to impose a life sentence or an indeterminate sentence under Article 13 of the 2008 Order, a serious terrorism sentence under Article 13A of the 2008 Order or an extended custodial sentence under Article 14 of the 2008 Order, but where the court decided to impose a custodial sentence.
	Paragraph (2) clarifies that this sentence does not apply to offenders aged under 18 at the time of conviction where the offence was committed prior to this Act coming into force. It will apply to those aged under 18 at the point of conviction, where an offence is committed on or after the day this Act comes into force.
	Paragraph (4) defines that if the offender is aged 21 or over at the time of conviction it must be a sentence of imprisonment for a term which is equal to the aggregate of the appropriate custodial term and a further period of one year on licence.
	Paragraph (5) sets out provisions for when the offender is under 21 at the time of conviction, it must be a sentence of detention at such a place and conditions as the Department of Justice may direct, for a term which is equal to the aggregate of the appropriate custodial term and a further period of one year on licence.
	Paragraph (6) provides that neither sentence term under paragraphs (4) or (5) should exceed the maximum term of imprisonment with which the offence is punishable (apart from Article 13). New article 15A(7) defines that the "appropriate custodial term" is the term for the sentence or the order that the court deems appropriate.
	Paragraph (8) confirms expressly that detention under paragraph (5) will be detention in legal custody. Paragraph (9) directs that a court that imposes a sentence under this Article shall not impose a suspended sentence under section 18 of the Treatment of Offenders Act (Northern Ireland) 1968. Paragraph (10) directs that remission shall not be granted under prison rules to an offender in respect of this sentence.