CCPC Chairperson Brian McHugh Opening Statement to Public Accounts Committee on 2024 Financial Statements, 28 May 2026 (assets.ccpc.ie)

• CCPC budget rose from €12.5m to €35.8m, headcount to 275, but no extra exchequer funding in 2026.
• Successful cartel enforcement: school transport operators convicted for bid-rigging; Dublin Airport car park sale blocked.
• Consumer protection: prosecuted major retailers; removed 276,000 unsafe products from market.
• Upcoming Consumer Protection, Competition and Enforcement Bill 2026 will enable tender data screening and higher fines.

"The Chairperson of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Brian McHugh, presented the 2024 Financial Statements to the Public Accounts Committee. He highlighted the successful amalgamation of former agencies, the expanded mandate (including Digital Services Act, AI Act, Data Act), and budget growth from €12.5m to €35.8m with a headcount of 275, but noted no additional exchequer funding in 2026. He cited successful cases including school transport bid-rigging, blocking a car park sale, and consumer prosecutions. The upcoming Consumer Protection, Competition and Enforcement Bill 2026 will provide new powers for tender data screening and financial sanctions."