§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons convicted of terrorist offences since 1972 who have received prison sentences of five years or more have already been released from custody either on parole or as a result of the remittance of their sentences for good conduct.
§ Mr. ConcannonAlthough prisoners in Northern Ireland may be temporarily released for compassionate and rehabilitative purposes prior to the completion of their sentences, there is no statutory parole scheme. Prison records do not separately identify persons convicted of terrorist offences. However, all special category prisoners have been convicted of offences connected with the civil disturbances.
Between June 1972 and February 1976, 255 special category prisoners were released with remission on completion of sentences of three years and over; information is not readily available to indicate how many were serving sentences of five years and over or how many were convicted after 1st January 1972.
Between March 1976 and February 1977 358 special category prisoners who had been convicted after 1st January 1972 were released with remission on completion of sentences of five years and over.