The power to make new laws is the sole responsibility of the Houses of the Oireachtas and 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 may be proposed by Members of the relevant House on Committee or Report Stage.
Government Bills start life where the Cabinet makes a decision on the policy issues involved in a proposed Bill or where legislation would be in accordance with the general lines of Government policy.
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.
