Competition Adjudication Rules and Guidelines Public Consultation
The Competition (Amendment) Act 2022 (the “2022 Act”) came into effect in September 2023, significantly enhancing the powers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (“CCPC”) to enforce both European Union and Irish competition law. The Act introduces a number of substantial reforms to Ireland’s competition enforcement framework. Notably, it establishes 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. The 2022 Act also creates the role of adjudication officers and the appointment of a Chief Adjudication Officer, whom the CCPC welcomed earlier this year. Adjudication officers act as the CCPC’s decision-makers in respect of alleged breaches of competition law pursuant to an independent adjudication process.
To ensure transparency in the competition adjudication process, the CCPC has developed Rules pursuant to section 15V(14)(b) of the Competition Act 2002 (the “2002 Act”), which govern the conduct of competition adjudication oral hearings. The Guidelines, developed pursuant to section 15AF of the 2002 Act, are intended to supplement these Rules, and provide guidance on the conduct of competition adjudication proceedings once a matter has been referred to an adjudication officer.
Invitation for Input
The CCPC has developed a suite of policies and guidelines on the operation of its new powers and responsibilities under the 2022 Act. As part of this process, the CCPC has conducted several consultations on a range of administrative competition enforcement issues which are available at CCPC administrative competition enforcement policy.
We have now published a Call for Input on the latest of these consultations, inviting stakeholders to share their views and perspectives on the CCPC’s draft ‘Rules for Competition Adjudication Oral Hearings’ and draft ‘Guidelines on the Conduct of Competition Adjudication Proceedings’. Stakeholder submissions are a vital source of information and insight and play an important role in shaping the CCPC’s Policies and Procedures.
When responding to this consultation, we kindly request that you identify the relevant section and paragraph number before providing your 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.
Submissions
Respondents are requested to note that the CCPC may publish the submissions that it receives in response to this consultation on its website. If you consider that any material should be redacted from the public version of your submission, please ensure that such material is clearly indicated in your submission.
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