Ireland

CCPC is a statutory body with investigative, prosecutorial, and advocacy functions. It can bring criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings, and reviews mergers. Enhanced powers under the 2022 Amendment Act.

Section 4 of the Competition Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements. Ireland is notable for criminal prosecution of cartels — individuals face up to 10 years imprisonment and unlimited fines.

Vertical restraints prohibited under Section 4. The CCPC applies EU block exemption regulations. Enforcement actions against resale price maintenance and territorial restrictions.

Section 5 prohibits abuse of dominant position. The 2022 Amendment introduced interim measures powers. Cases have targeted utilities, media, and professional services.

Mandatory pre-notification under Part 3 of the Competition Act for mergers exceeding turnover thresholds (combined Irish turnover of EUR 60 million and individual Irish turnover of EUR 10 million). Media mergers reviewed by the Minister.

Cartel Immunity Programme offers immunity from criminal prosecution for the first undertaking to disclose a cartel. CCPC publishes detailed guidelines. Programme is central to criminal enforcement strategy.

Commitment decisions available under the 2022 Amendment Act (new civil enforcement power). Plea agreements possible in criminal cartel cases.

Criminal: up to 10 years imprisonment and/or unlimited fines for individuals; up to EUR 5 million or 10% of turnover for undertakings. Civil fines up to 10% of worldwide turnover introduced by the 2022 Amendment Act.

CCPC applies general competition law to digital markets. Ireland is the EU base for many tech companies, giving the CCPC's enforcement particular relevance. The EU DMA applies directly.

ComReg (telecoms), CRU (energy), Central Bank (financial services), and CAR (aviation) exercise concurrent regulatory powers. ComReg has specific competition enforcement powers in telecoms.

CCPC exercises search and seizure powers under warrant from the District Court. Officers may enter premises, seize documents, and require information. Criminal investigation powers under the Competition Act.

Private actions for damages and injunctions under Section 14 of the Competition Act. EU Damages Directive transposed by the 2022 Amendment Act. High Court jurisdiction.

Active in ECN, ICN, and OECD. Close cooperation with the European Commission, particularly given Ireland's role as EU tech hub. Bilateral cooperation with UK CMA post-Brexit.

Criminal cartel prosecutions (construction, automotive), merger remedies in media and retail sectors, and increased civil enforcement under the 2022 Act. Growing focus on digital markets and platform competition.