Dawn raids, product recalls and 40,000 consumer calls: CCPC publishes 2023 Annual Report

                        	

July 16, 2024

                        	

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published its 2023 Annual Report, detailing the extensive investigations, enforcement actions and information campaigns carried out by the watchdog last year.


Brian McHugh, Chairperson of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, 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.”


Key CCPC actions in 2023:

Over 180,000 unsafe products withdrawn or recalled from the Irish market, including hurling helmets, soft toys and travel adaptors.
A 100% increase in Compliance Notices issued and a 206% increase in fines imposed
Dawn raids carried out on four premises
183 trader inspections carried out nationally
40,000 calls answered by the CCPC Consumer Helpline
68 mergers reviewed in sectors from parking to pharmaceuticals
New guidelines issued to over 550 nursing homes across Ireland
Over 900,000 visits to the online Money Tools section of the CCPC website, a 17% increase on the previous year, plus more than five million engagements across six social media public awareness campaigns



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.


Brian McHugh added:


“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.”


For more information read the CCPC’s 2023 Annual Report.
		

                  

                				
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CCPC's 2023 Annual Report Highlights Enforcement Actions and Consumer Protection Efforts

The CCPC's 2023 Annual Report reveals a focus on protecting consumers through extensive investigations, enforcement actions, and information campaigns. The report highlights the watchdog's efforts to ensure markets work for consumers and combat deceptive practices.

Key actions in 2023 included the withdrawal of over 180,000 unsafe products from the Irish market, a significant increase in Compliance Notices and fines issued, dawn raids on premises, trader inspections, and handling 40,000 consumer calls.

The CCPC also reviewed 68 mergers, issued new guidelines to nursing homes, and saw a surge in online engagement through its website and social media campaigns.

With new competition law powers in place, the CCPC aims to act swiftly against wrongdoers, enhance enforcement outcomes, and serve as a strong advocate for competition and consumer interests in Ireland.



CCPC's 2023 Annual Report Highlights Enforcement Actions and Consumer Protection Efforts

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has released its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing its investigations, enforcement actions, and consumer protection initiatives over the past year.