Brian McHugh

The watchdog’s 2023 annual report shows it issued 24 compliance notices to 14 businesses, a 100 per cent increase, and 52 fixed payment notices to 28 businesses, a 206 per cent increase.

The CCPC also carried out dawn raids on four premises and 183 trader inspections. The consumer helpline answered 40,000 calls over the course of the year.

A total of 68 mergers were reviewed in sectors from parking to pharmaceuticals.

Chairperson Brian McHugh said: “From small daily purchases to big financial decisions, markets must work for consumers. The CCPC is taking action against rogue traders who try to dodge their responsibilities and deceive their customers.

“This year the new competition law came into force, giving the CCPC new fining and surveillance powers, allowing us to gather more evidence quickly and fine guilty companies. With the help of these new powers, we will move faster, take more cases, and become even more of a deterrent to bad actors in the Irish marketplace.

“We are committed to delivering increased and clear outcomes in enforcement, informing consumers and being a leading voice for competition and consumer interests.”

As the CCPC gained new and expanded powers under the Competition Amendment Act and the Digital Services Act, the organisation has also grown in size to over 200 staff.

Mr McHugh said: “The CCPC is growing rapidly as an organisation to meet the responsibilities of our expanding brief, including new work in digital regulation, data governance and accessibility.

“For me, 2023 brought the honour of being appointed chairperson of the CCPC. I am immensely proud to lead a team dedicated to fighting for consumers and delivering better markets that work for everyone.”