Overview of legislative process

Once a Bill is signed into law by the President, it becomes an Act and is added to the Statute Book.

Any Member of the Dáil or Seanad may introduce a Bill. Government Bills are approved by the Cabinet before being presented to the Dáil or Seanad. Non-Government Members, which comprise Opposition Members or backbenchers in Government parties, may also bring forward their own Bills, known as "Private Members' Bills".

The Bills Office manages publication, amendments and reprints of all Bills passing through the Houses of the Oireachtas and is responsible for the publication of Acts after signature by the President. The Bills Office also assists non-Government Members in preparing Private Members' Bills and amendments for publication.