Wexford Councillor Backs New Legislation To Make Spiking A Stand Alone Offence

A Wexford Sinn Féin councillor who says she was a victim of spiking is backing new legislation aimed at making it a standalone criminal offence.

Aoife Rose O’Brien says victims deserve justice, as figures show 278 spiking incidents have been reported to An Garda Síochána since 2022, with none resulting in a prosecution under current legislation.

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Community Safety, Mark Ward TD, is introducing the legislation, which aims to specifically criminalise spiking.

The party says the current legal framework does not adequately address the issue, with concerns about the difficulties victims face in securing evidence and pursuing a case.

Councillor O’Brien says spiking can happen in a range of settings, not just nightclubs or pubs, but also in private homes, at fitness or GAA clubs and during social gatherings.

She has also highlighted concerns around needle spiking, which accounts for up to 30% of reported spiking incidents.

Councillor O’Brien, who is a victim herself, is calling for a statutory pathway to ensure victims can access timely toxicology testing, which can be crucial in detecting substances in their system and gathering evidence.

She says victims should not have to face further obstacles when trying to get justice following what can be a frightening and distressing experience.

Anyone who believes they have been spiked is being urged to report the incident to An Garda Síochána and seek medical assistance where necessary.

Support is also available through Wexford Rape Crisis Centre on 053 912 2722.