The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) says it has begun a formal investigation into suspected anti-competitive conduct in the ticketing sector.

The probe comes amid consumer concerns over tickets for sold out gigs appearing on secondary sites at inflated prices - often within minutes of the original concert selling out.

According to the CCPC, the investigation will focus on any potential anti-competitive conduct by organisations involved in providing tickets - including ticketing services, promoters and venues.

In a statement, the commission said: "As part of the investigation, the CCPC has issued witness summonses and formal requirements for information to a number of parties involved in the sector.

"The CCPC welcomes contacts from parties in the sector who may have information that they feel is relevant to the investigation," it adds.

Calls for an investigation have been led by Independent TD Stephen Donnelly, who has said he would "like to see large scale ticket touting put to bed".

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock said: “It is important to see the statutory body charged with consumer protection and competition law has launched a significant investigation and is treating this issue with the requisite gravity and seriousness.

“Full credit goes to Deputy Stephen Donnelly for raising this matter with the CCPC. We promised that we would fight this on behalf of consumers and to ensure the best consumer protection standards were adhered to, and are satisfied that the CCPC also sees this as significant enough to be worthy of a full investigation."