CCPC opens further consultation on proposed guidelines for exercising new competition law powers

April 4, 2022

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) today opens the second in a series of public consultations on how it intends to use the expanded competition law enforcement powers contained in the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2022, which is expected to come into force later this year.

This second consultation is seeking views from interested parties on the CCPC’s guidelines on the determination of administrative financial sanctions and periodic penalty payments.

The guidelines set out the procedures for the calculation of administrative financial sanctions and periodic penalty payments. The guidelines also provide further detail on the aggravating and mitigating factors which may be taken into account when any penalty is being calculated.

Brian McHugh, Member of the Commission with responsibility for Competition Enforcement and Mergers, says:

The ability to levy fines against those who are found to be in breach of the law will transform the role of the CCPC. We are working to ensure our new powers will be exercised in a manner which is measurable, predictable and accountable.

We are consulting with stakeholders to ensure the transition to our new regime can be as effective as possible and are keen to hear from the business community, legal advisers, experts in economics and from consumer advocacy groups.

A consultation forum will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide further feedback during the consultation period.

Consultation documents and the full schedule for consultations are available at ccpc.ie/competitionlaw2022

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