Intention to reintroduce Spiking Bill a welcome development – Máire Devine TD & Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien
2 May 2025
Sinn Féin spokesperon on Equality, Domestic and Gender Based Violence, Máire Devine TD; and Sinn Féin Councillor for Wexford, Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien, have welcomed news of Government’s intention to reintroduce the ‘Spiking Bill’, an amendment to the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Bill 2023.
Teachta Devine said:
“I am pleased that the Spiking Bill will be reintroduced. It previously progressed through the Seanad but lapsed when the 33rd Dáil was dissolved last November.
“Spiking is already criminalised however this amendment intends to impose harsher penalties for this serious crime. This Bill must proceed. It is desperately needed to ensure appropriate sentencing for those convicted of drugging drinks – a crime that can often lead to assault, sexual assault, or robbery.
“I want to recognise my colleague and friend, Cllr. Aoife Rose O’Brien, who has been instrumental in bringing about greater awareness of the crime of spiking, supporting victims, and progressing methods that can be used to protect people, such as mini drink testing kits. Her voice on this matter is vital.
Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien said:
“As an advocate for victims of abuse it is a priority for me to see tougher legislation and a zero tolerance approach being rolled out nationwide.
“I’m glad to hear that government have finally prioritised this Bill and that it will be heard.
“We need to provide further safeguards and to show that there is a real deterrent there for people committing these crimes.
“Spiking is a very real issue and unfortunately it is presently occuring in every corner of Ireland. We need to protect people from this.
“The current legislation, which dates back as far as 1997, is outdated. So much so that the current fine is actually still in punt.
“Government parties must demonstrate they are serious about protecting victims and adequately punishing those convicted of spiking by passing this Bill as a priority.”
