The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD has been called on to introduce legislation which would making spiking a criminal offence.
Currently, spiking is classed as ‘poisoning’ under legislation, but Labour TD Aodhan Ó Ríordáin says more needs to be done to punish those who partake in the practice.
“We need to introduce a specific offence in our criminal laws to deal with the heinous crime of spiking,” he says.
“Unfortunately we know that many perpetrators who spike an innocent person may do so to make it easier to commit a crime or sexual violence like rape against them.
“While spiking is currently classed as ‘poisoning’ under legislation, it’s clear that we need to update our laws and our sentencing to adequately deal with what is unfortunately a very prevalent crime.
“I raised this with the Minister today with specific amendments to the Criminal Justice (Misc Provisions) Bill and I hope that these amendments will be accepted and made law.
“The use of the term ‘poisoning’ does not fully capture the essence of spiking, which is the motive – to enable the commission of a crime or sexual offence.
“To counter this phenomenon, we must identify it as a specific offence in law.”
According to the Gardaí, reports of spiking have risen in recent years – with the crime being particularly prevalent this year.
“Drink-spiking incidents reported to gardaí so far this year have almost doubled, as 40 people reported having their drink spiked compared to 22 reports made in all of 2021,” Deputy Ó Ríordáin said.
“As well as drink spiking, Gardaí are reporting incidents of victims being spiked with a needle.
“This problem is growing nationwide.
“In 2021, the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre noted a marked increase in cases of drinks being spiked, as well as the use of needles to drug unsuspecting people while out socialising.
“This is a deeply concerning trend and one that needs to be stamped out.
“As well as introducing more robust sentencing laws to deal with a person found guilty of an offence of spiking, we need to see public awareness campaigns to remind pub and club patrons, venues and staff members of the signs that someone may be spiked to ensure that they can get help without delay.”