The power to make new laws is the sole responsibility of the Houses of the Oireachtas. All proposed new laws are introduced into the Oireachtas as Bills.
A Bill must pass through five Stages in both the Dáil and Seanad before it can be enacted.
Amendments to Bills may be proposed by Senators on Committee or Report Stage.
Government Bills are approved by the Cabinet before being presented to the Dáil or Seanad.
Each Private Member's Bill is initially assessed by the Bills Office for compliance with Standing Orders and a final decision is made by the Chair of the House in which the Bill is to be introduced.
Once a Bill has been passed by both Houses and signed by the President, it is enacted and is referred to as an Act.
