How is legislation passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas?

Articles 20-27 of the Constitution refer to how legislation is initiated and passed by the Oireachtas (the Dáil, Seanad and the President). Money Bills (financial legislation) and Bills to amend the Constitution can only be initiated in Dáil Éireann. The Seanad cannot make amendments to Money Bills and any recommendations it makes must be made within 21 days. Most other Bills are initiated in either the Dáil or Seanad.  

The Government approves Bills before their initiation in the Houses. There are five stages in the processing of Bills. The First stage involves laying the Bill before the House.   

The Second and Third stages allow for Members to debate and amend the Bills contents. Apart from inviting debate, the Second stage allows members to raise matters which could be included in the Bill.   

The Third stage of a Bill is also known as Committee Stage,where the contents of the Bill are examined by section and where each House can amend the contents. This Stage is usually dealt with by Select Committees, which answers to a relevant Government Department.   

The Fourth Stage of a Bill is known as Report Stage. Further amendments arising out of Third Stage are made at this juncture. 

The Fifth Stage of a Bill confines the debate to the Bill contents. Public Bills are those that apply to citizens generally, Private Bills are promoted by local authorities and private bodies.