Brian Kennedy SC

Mr Kennedy has practised as a barrister in Ireland for over 27 years, having called to the Bar in 1997 and to the Inner Bar in 2012.

He brings significant experience in general civil law practice with an emphasis on commercial, regulatory, competition and public law, including European Union law.

Mr Kennedy, who has been appointed by enterprise, tourism and employment minister Peter Burke, will continue his practice at the bar alongside his new role.

The role of chief adjudication officer has been newly created under the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022, which establishes a landmark new administrative enforcement regime in Ireland for breaches of EU and Irish competition law.

The 2022 Act creates a new administrative adjudication regime under which the CCPC has the power, through independent adjudication officers and subject to court approval, to make decisions concerning alleged infringements of competition law and to impose administrative financial sanctions of up to €10 million or 10 per cent of total worldwide turnover.

Brian McHugh, chairperson of the CCPC, said: “I am pleased to welcome Brian Kennedy SC as chief adjudication officer for the CCPC. He will play an important part in ensuring that the Irish competition regime delivers for consumers and the Irish marketplace.

“Competition is critical to the success of the Irish economy and the CCPC plays a central role in setting the conditions for it to flourish.

“For many years the CCPC argued for increased enforcement powers in order to deliver for consumers. Now we have those powers and can impose administrative financial sanctions for breaches of Irish and EU competition law, subject to Court confirmation.

“The role of the chief adjudication officer is absolutely key to delivering this new regime.”

Mr Kennedy added: “I am delighted to be appointed as the CCPC’s first chief adjudication officer. The role presents a unique opportunity to build and lead a new administrative enforcement regime that will safeguard competition in Ireland.

“The new adjudication function within the CCPC will provide independent decision-making on alleged infringements of competition law and play a key part in developing the organisation.”