Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt is applying for his immediate release in the High Court.

The 59 year old from Beech Park, Blackrock, Co Louth, is relying on recent legal rulings that his lawyers say entitle him to enhanced remission of up to one third off his 20 year sentence.

Michael McKevitt was jailed for 20 years in 2003 for directing terrorism and for membership of the Real IRA

He is due for release from Portlaoise prison in April 2016 but he claims he's entitled to benefit from an enhanced remission scheme that would see him get out of jail immediately

McKevitt argues the Justice Minister is obliged to cut up to a third off his jail time because he's complied with a rule to be of good conduct and engage in authorised, structured activities which means he's less likely to reoffend.

His lawyers are essentially arguing that he's held up his end of the bargain while the Minister has gone beyond the scope of the rules and unfairly relied on garda reports expressing concern about the fact the Real IRA leader still maintains his innocence.