69.This section provides that the remission granted in respect of a sentence of imprisonment of 5 years or more for a scheduled offence, shall not exceed one third of the term. This provision was introduced in 1989 as a response to the increased violence of the time. Its effect is mitigated by the Northern Ireland (Remission of Sentences) Act 1995 (c. 47). That Act provides for the release on licence of those prisoners at the half-way point of sentence. Whilst on licence, such prisoners may be recalled up until the two-thirds point if they are thought likely to commit further offences or if their continued liberty would pose a threat to the safety of the public. From the two-thirds point on they may be granted remission.
Commentary Part Vii: Northern Ireland Section 79: Restricted remission