The Government is seeking the public’s views on proposed new laws to enhance consumer rights, promote fair competition, and provide stronger enforcement tools to the watchdog. 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. The proposals form part of efforts to ensure Ireland’s consumer protection framework keeps pace with evolving markets, digital products, and EU standards. Key measures under consideration include empowering the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to impose “proportionate fines” for serious breaches of consumer law, reducing reliance on lengthy court processes. The legislation further seeks to strengthen consumer rights by updating the Consumer Rights Act 2022 to clarify remedies for prohibited practices, including clearer rules on price reductions and contract cancellations.

Source: The Irish Times December 24, 2025 01:00 UTC