Ireland is preparing to tighten the rules around consumer rights and market fairness, with a new gov.ie announcement confirming a major public consultation on upcoming legislation. The move signals a significant update to how the State plans to protect shoppers, support honest businesses and give regulators sharper powers in a fast-changing digital economy.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has opened the consultation as part of work on the Consumer Protection, Competition and Enforcement Bill 2026. The process invites feedback from consumers, companies and representative bodies before the draft measures are finalised.
gov.ie consultation targets stronger consumer protection in Ireland
According to gov.ie, the proposals are designed to modernise Ireland’s consumer framework so it keeps pace with online services, digital products and evolving EU rules. The consultation also aligns with wider government priorities linked to competitiveness, productivity and trust in the marketplace.
This matters not only for households, but also for businesses that rely on fair dealing and clear standards. Agencies and departments across the public system, from Finance and Justice to the Department of the Taoiseach, increasingly depend on strong enforcement and transparent regulation to maintain confidence in the economy.
Key measures under consideration
- Administrative financial sanctions: the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) could receive powers to issue proportionate fines for serious breaches of consumer law without relying solely on long court proceedings.
- Bid-rigging detection powers: the CCPC may be allowed to examine public procurement data for signs of collusion, a measure linked to recommendations in the Hamilton Report.
- Stronger consumer rights: updates to the Consumer Rights Act 2022 would aim to clarify remedies for banned commercial practices, including clearer guidance on price reductions and contract cancellations.
The broader policy direction will be closely watched by public bodies and regulators including the Revenue Commissioners, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the Central Bank, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), all of which operate in areas where consumer trust, market conduct and regulatory compliance overlap.
Why the gov.ie reforms matter for consumers and businesses
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the consultation is an important step in reinforcing a fair and competitive environment where firms can grow while consumers remain protected. Minister of State Niamh Smyth also emphasised the need for laws that keep up with changing markets, digital products and EU standards.
In practical terms, the gov.ie process could help shape a system where enforcement is faster, penalties are more effective and consumer remedies are easier to understand. For businesses, that could mean clearer compliance expectations. For the public, it could mean better redress when misleading practices occur.
Who should consider making a submission
- Individual consumers
- Retailers and service providers
- Consumer advocacy groups
- Legal and compliance professionals
- Trade associations and market analysts
The consultation may also interest organisations connected to Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Local Government and Heritage, Housing, Transport and Education where public procurement, digital services and competition issues regularly arise.
How to respond to the gov.ie public consultation
Submissions are open until 27 February 2026. Responses can be sent by email to conspol@enterprise.gov.ie and should include your name, organisation if relevant, and contact details. Those wishing to review the full consultation documents can access them through gov.ie.
This gov.ie consultation is more than a routine call for submissions. It is an opportunity to influence how Ireland balances innovation, competition and consumer rights in the years ahead. For anyone affected by pricing practices, online contracts or market fairness, now is the time to engage.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
