23rd December 2025
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has opened a public consultation on proposed legislative measures under the Consumer Protection, Competition and Enforcement Bill 2026. This initiative aims to enhance consumer rights, promote fair competition and provide stronger enforcement tools to protect consumers and businesses alike.
The proposals form part of the government’s commitments under the Programme for Government and the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, ensuring Ireland’s consumer protection framework keeps pace with evolving markets, digital products, and EU standards.
Key measures under consideration include:
- Administrative Financial Sanctions: Empowering the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to impose proportionate fines for serious breaches of consumer law, reducing reliance on lengthy court processes.
- Bid-Rigging Detection Powers: Granting the CCPC authority to screen public procurement data for patterns of collusion, as recommended by the Hamilton Report.
- Strengthening Consumer Rights: Updating the Consumer Rights Act 2022 to clarify remedies for prohibited practices, including clearer rules on price reductions and contract cancellations.
Commenting on the launch, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said,
“I welcome this consultation as an important step in strengthening our fair, competitive environment where businesses can thrive and consumers are protected. Clear, proportionate rules and effective enforcement benefit everyone, and I encourage both industry and consumer voices to engage so we can shape legislation that supports growth and trust in our markets."
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD went on to say,
"Consumers are the cornerstone of a healthy economy. We want to make sure our laws keep pace with evolving markets, digital products and EU standards so that businesses and consumers alike can thrive. This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to help shape legislation that promotes fairness and transparency while supporting competitiveness."
Submissions are invited from individuals, businesses and consumer groups up to 27 February 2026. Responses should be emailed to conspol@enterprise.gov.ie including your name, organisation (if applicable) and contact details.
For more information and to access the consultation, visit Public consultation on enhancing consumer protection, competition and enforcement of consumer law.
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