Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward will introduce legislation that aims to make spiking a standalone offence.
The HSE defines spiking as when someone gives you drugs or alcohol without you knowing or agreeing to it.
There have been 278 spiking incidents reported to Gardaí since 2022, but none of the reported incidents has resulted in a prosecution under current legislation.
The Dublin Mid-West TD said, “we often speak about spiking in the context of what might happen next – whether someone intended to sexually assault, rob or otherwise harm the person they spiked. We need to recognise that the act of spiking itself is already a violation. A person’s bodily autonomy has been taken from them. Their ability to make decisions about their own safety has been interfered with, and their consent has been disregarded entirely.”
“That is harm in its own right, regardless of what follows.
Ward said he will be introducing a bill, along with Dublin South Central TD Máire Devine, that would make spiking a standalone offence.
Ward warned that the statistics about spiking are “only the tip of the iceberg” and that none of the reported incidents since 2022 have resulted in a prosecution under current legislation.
“My Bill also will introduce a statutory toxicology pathway for victims of spiking to assist them in their care and pursuit of justice,” he said.
“The impact of spiking doesn’t end when the substance leaves your system.”
“Spiking can follow you into the next night out, the next social gathering, the next time someone offers you a drink,” he said.
Ward said he has engaged with campaign groups and also victims of spiking in preparation for this Bill.
“I’m calling for cross-party support for my Bill today. Spiking is a serious issue and it needs to be dealt with.”