Our Structure
The ERN is an informal structure and consists of the heads of the seven member organisations. There is a rotating chair which is currently held by Brian McHugh from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
The ERN
The members decide collectively what actions or projects to initiate. The ERN has undertaken joint studies, held joint approaches to stakeholders and organised public events.
The ERN can also put in place a joint-working group on a particular matter of concern. In areas of interest for a limited number of members, the ERN has typically set up sub-groups.
Discussion and information exchange is the main purpose of the ERN, and its main value lies in bringing the organisations closer together which allows better cooperation and more joint-up thinking.
Brian McHugh
Chairperson
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
Brian McHugh is the chairperson of the CCPC. As well as collegiate decision making with other Members on all aspects of the organisation, he currently oversees the HR and Organisational Development division.
He was appointed as a Member of the CCPC in September 2017. Prior to this he spent 15 years in Northern Ireland’s Utility Regulator, the body responsible for both regulating and protecting the interests of consumers within the gas, electricity and water utility industries in Northern Ireland. During his time at the Utility Regulator, Brian led the design and implementation of competition to expand the gas network in Northern Ireland. He also oversaw the DS3 project, which increased the capacity of electricity systems to manage more renewable energy sources. Brian holds a BA in Economics from Trinity College, Dublin, and an MSc in Energy Economics from the University of Surrey.
Terms of Reference
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Purpose of the Economic Regulators Network (ERN)
The ERN aims to bring together Irish economic regulators with the objective of promoting the benefits of good economic regulation for Irish consumers and the economy. The ERN aims to create a platform, albeit informal, that allows the leadership of economic regulators to discuss topics of common interest and, thus, contribute to a better and more integrated regulatory environment in Ireland.
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Composition of ERN
The current membership of the ERN consists of several Irish regulators, namely, Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM), Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), Commission for Regulation Utilities (CRU), National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). The Data Protection Commission (DPC), the national authority responsible for upholding the EU fundamental right of individuals to have their personal data protected, is also a member by virtue of its regulatory role.
The ERN is open to accept additional regulators working for a better and more integrated economic regulatory environment in Ireland.
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Responsibilities of ERN
The ERN will work together to develop shared approaches to tackle common issues across the sectors they regulate.
The ERN will explore common grounds to effectively engage with external stakeholders to inform, influence and contribute to policy debates.
The ERN will contribute to and facilitate human resources and learning and development initiatives to increase our agencies’ effectiveness by hosting learning events and discussing and sharing experiences in addressing topical human resources issues.
The ERN will explore opportunities to cooperate in joint investigations, research, resource sharing, and information and data sharing.
The ERN will not operate a standing budget. The ERN members will however agree as to how events are funded based on equity and shared responsibility.
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Chairperson of ERN
The ERN will be chaired by a member on a 3-year rotational basis.
The organisation chairing the ERN will take responsibility for ERN secretarial functions, e.g., hosting meetings, drafting and circulating agenda and minutes of ERN meetings,and tracking action points.
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Frequency of Meetings
The ERN will aim to hold at least 3 meetings per calendar year. Ideally, one meeting per quarter.
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Review and Amendments
This Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually to ensure that it considers relevant developments and remains effective. Amendments to this Terms of Reference may be made upon mutual agreement by of the ERN members.