How do I get help drafting legislation?

Assistance is provided by the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, including confidential legal advice, legal policy analysis and legislative drafting services.

Members are under no obligation to use the Private Members’ Bills services offered by the OPLA and may draft their own legislation or have it otherwise drafted.

Bills may be initiated, by way of introduction or presentation, in either House but Bills to amend the Constitution or money Bills may not be initiated in the Seanad.

Indicative guide

Initial research

Settle on a policy proposal and, together with any research materials, refer your proposal by email to the OPLA. Detailed legal research will be conducted by the OPLA. If policy research is required, the OPLA will commission this on your behalf from the Library & Research Service.  

Development of policy proposal

A legal adviser will be assigned and will meet with you and your assistants to develop clear and concise drafting instructions to ensure the draft Bill accurately reflects the policy intention behind the proposed Bill. The legal adviser will also identify whether any potential legal and policy issues need further development or clarity. 

Drafting a Bill

When the legal adviser is satisfied that the instructions for the proposed Bill are adequate to enable drafting to commence, you will be assigned a drafter who will draft your Private Members' Bill. If you require legal advice or assistance in respect of amendments you wish to make to your Bill on Committee or Report Stages, the legal adviser and drafter assigned will assist you. 

Help with pre-committee scrutiny

After your Bill completes Second Stage in the Dáil and if requested by you, the legal adviser and drafter assigned to your Bill, as appropriate, can assist you with pre-Committee Stage scrutiny of your Bill. This service is only available where the OPLA has provided a full drafting service.