Work of Competition Policy

Advice to Public

The Section provides advice to the public on the rules of competition law which are set out in the Competition Act, 2002 and the Competition (Amendment) Act 2006. Advice is provided on the options available to persons under competition legislation and the Section works in conjunction with the Competition Authority, Parnell House, 14 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 in dealing with complaints.

The Section also provides information on its other responsibilities as outlined under Our Role.

Issuing of Occasional Trading Permits

The Section issues permits under the Occasional Trading Act, 1979 which provides for the control and regulation of occasional trading by the obligation on persons undertaking such trading to hold a permit (see Guidelines and Procedures for further details)

Representation at European Level

The Competition Authority, represents Ireland on the:

• Advisory Committee on Restrictive Practices and Dominant Positions; and
• The Advisory Committee on Concentrations.

These Committees advise the European Commission on cases which it is considering in regard to competition matters (Restrictive Practices and Dominant Positions) and mergers (Concentrations) which come within the competence of the European Commission. The Committees are also involved in policy development at European level and in these instances, the Section represents Ireland.

The Section also represents Ireland, when appropriate, at European Council Working Groups in regard to policy development. The Section's Assistant Secretary represents Ireland on the EU Committee of European Directors General for Competition.

Merger notifications

Responsibility for deciding upon merger notifications was transferred from the Minister to the Competition Authority on 1^st January, 2003. Please refer to the Competition Authority's website for further information.