Where we form the view that competition law has been breached by way of:
- Agreements that may have anti-competitive effects but are not considered to be hard-core cartels, or
- Abuse of dominance in a sector of the economy,
we can initiate legal proceedings to compel parties to stop their illegal activity. Such proceedings are generally brought in the civil court (the High Court). However, criminal proceedings may be appropriate depending on the circumstances of each case (see criminal court cases).
Often settlement terms are agreed in the High Court.
The table below details all the civil court cases initiated by the Competition Authority.
| Sector |
Area of competition law |
Proceedings started |
Status |
| Alcoholic drinks "price freeze" |
Anti-competitive agreement (Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002) |
March 2009 |
The High Court found LVA and VFI to be in contempt of court - 24 July 2009 |
| Irish Medical Organisation |
Anti-competitive agreement (Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002) |
July 2006 |
Settlement terms agreed in the High Court - 25 May 2007 |
| Irish Dental Association |
Anti-competitive agreement (Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002) |
December 2004 |
Settlement terms agreed in the High Court - 28 April 2005 |
| Credit Unions |
Abuse of dominance (Section 5 of the Competition Act 2002) |
October 2004 |
ILCU'S appeal upheld by the Supreme Court |
| Beef Industry |
Anti-competitive agreement (Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002) |
June 2003 |
Remitted back to the High Court |
| Retail price of milk |
Anti-competitive agreement (Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002) |
1998 |
Proceedings continue in High Court against 1 of 4 defendants |
| Price of alcoholic drinks |
Anti-competitive agreement (Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002) |
1998 |
Settlement terms agreed in the High Court - 11 May 2005 |
| Price of packaged beer and soft drinks |
Anti-competitive agreement (Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002) |
1999 |
Proceedings continue in High Court against 1 of 6 defendants |