CCPC launches public consultation on competition adjudication rules and guidelines
December 4, 2025
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has opened a consultation into draft rules for competition adjudication oral hearings and draft guidelines on the conduct of competition adjudication proceedings.
The Competition (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into effect in September 2023, expanded the CCPC’s powers by introducing a number of substantial reforms to Ireland’s competition enforcement framework. It established a new administrative enforcement regime whereby the CCPC may, through independent adjudication officers and subject to court approval, make decisions concerning alleged breaches of European Union and Irish competition law. Where breaches are found to have taken place, non-criminal financial sanctions can be imposed.
The 2022 Act created the role of adjudication officer, and a panel of independent adjudication officers has recently been appointed for a five-year term. The CCPC nominated the candidates to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to act as adjudication officers and make decisions on behalf of the CCPC and otherwise to exercise functions under the Competition Act, 2002. It also created the position of Chief Adjudication Officer, and Brian Kennedy SC was appointed to the role earlier this year.
Stakeholder submissions are a vital source of information and insight and play an important role in shaping the CCPC’s Policies and Procedures. The CCPC has already conducted several consultations on a range of administrative competition enforcement issues which are available at CCPC administrative competition enforcement policy.
Those responding to this consultation should identify the relevant section and paragraph number before providing their comments and feedback. Submissions will only be accepted when submitted via email to adjudication@ccpc.ie.
The consultation will be open until 12 January 2026.
For more information, see Competition Adjudication Rules and Guidelines Public Consultation – CCPC Business
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