CCPC sets out rules on adjudication hearings
The competition watchdog has finalised rules and guidelines that will cover the conduct of oral hearings and proceedings under a new adjudication system.
The process was part of an expansion of the powers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) introduced by the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into effect in September 2023.
It set up a new administrative enforcement regime whereby the CCPC could, through independent adjudication officers and subject to court approval, make decisions on alleged breaches of EU and Irish competition law.
Where breaches are found to have taken place, non-criminal financial sanctions of up to €10 million or 10% of the undertaking’s annual turnover, whichever is greater, can be imposed.
‘Clear structure’
The CCPC has now developed and finalised rules and guidelines to give effect to this process after a public consultation that closed in January.
They are effective from today (2 April).
The rules govern the conduct of competition adjudication oral hearings, while the guidelines provide guidance on proceedings once a matter has been referred to an adjudication officer.
“The rules and guidelines align with recognised best practice and provide a clear structure that streamlines procedures and timelines, safeguards fairness, promotes transparency, and ensures consistency for all stakeholders,” the watchdog said.