Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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26. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce a new statutory consumer advocacy agency; and if there are existing plans within his Department in relation to its creation. [24645/23]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for promoting compliance with, and enforcing, competition and consumer protection law in Ireland and its mission is to make markets work better for consumers and businesses. The CCPC aims to improve consumer welfare across the economy by enforcing over 40 legislative instruments, including product safety legislation.

The CCPC’s aim is to make markets work better for consumers by influencing public debate and policy development, growing public understanding of the importance of open and competitive markets, promoting competition and highlighting the interests of consumers. It is an independent investigative and enforcement body, and the Minister and Department are statutorily restricted from directing it especially in the area of competition law.

The CCPC provides information to consumers about their rights, personal finance and product safety, through a consumer helpline, a dedicated section of their website, public awareness campaigns and through various financial education initiatives.

The CCPC is growing as additional functions are ascribed to it. It is gaining responsibilities under the Competition Act and Consumer Rights Act, which consolidated and modernised consumer rights legislation in Ireland. Its annual funding and sanctioned staffing levels have grown in recent years on account of these additional roles. Under this Government the CCPC has seen its Exchequer funding increase by approximately 70%. In 2019 it received €10.6 million and in 2023 it will receive just over €19 million.

The CCPC play an active role in respect of mergers and acquisition, in this regard the CCPC has a statutory obligation to form a view as to whether the result of the merger or acquisition would be to substantially lessen competition in markets for goods or services in the State, i.e., likely to result in substantial reduction in competition leading to higher prices or low quality or reduced innovation. This involves obtaining, verifying, and analysing different types of information from various sources. The CCPC approach in reviewing and deciding mergers is in line with international best practice.

The CCPC have been active in protecting consumer interests in digital markets, with work on influencers, manipulative interface design and protection of children from inappropriate advertising, amongst others.

Currently, and mindful of cost-of-living increases, the CCPC continue to prioritise action against unlawful practices that have a direct effect on increasing consumer prices, or which exploit a more inflationary environment. The CCPC are further developing its online Money Tools system to ensure it continues to meet the needs of consumers and reflect current industry offerings. The Department welcomes this more visible and active role by the CCPC in reminding consumers of their rights, and businesses of their consumer and competition obligations.