Ireland is moving to strengthen its laws against drink spiking, a crime that has seen a worrying rise in recent years. Currently, spiking incidents are prosecuted under outdated poisoning laws, which many argue are insufficient for addressing the severity of the offence.
The proposed Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) (Spiking) Bill 2023 aims to make spiking a standalone criminal offence. If enacted, it would carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for anyone found guilty of administering substances to individuals without their consent, with the intent to overpower, sedate, or harm them.
Wexford Councillor Aoife Rose O'Brien, a survivor of spiking, has been a vocal advocate for the bill. She emphasises the urgent need for updated legislation to protect potential victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Ms O'Brien spoke to Ireland's Classic Hits Radio News today, she has welcomed the news but says that it should have been dealt with sooner:
"The non-fatal offences against the person's spiking bill 2023 has finally been heard in Leinster House for the first time this year.
Unfortunately, the government were too prioritised with unfair speaking times and appointing new junior ministers for this very serious issue to be dealt with to date. But I welcome this bill being passed."
She is calling for harsher measures for perpetrators:
"It is paramount that we provide further safeguards to people who have been or could potentially be a victim of this type of crime.
I'm calling for a zero-tolerance approach across Ireland. Spiking is a real-life issue. Unfortunately, it exists in every corner of Ireland with over 600 drugs in circulation today.
We need to increase sentencing and we need to provide further deterrents for people who decide that they want to commit an offence of this nature."
The bill has passed the Seanad but awaits further progression in the Dáil. Justice Minister Simon Harris has recommended that the government not oppose the bill, though he notes that additional considerations are necessary before it becomes law
As discussions continue, there is a growing consensus on the need for specific legislation to address drink spiking, ensuring that the legal system adequately reflects the seriousness of the crime and provides justice for victims.
