Max HeyraudSinn Féin has introduced legislation proposing prison sentences of up to 10 years for people convicted of drink spiking in the most serious cases.
The Spiking Offences Bill 2026, brought forward by Dublin Mid-West TD Mark Ward alongside Máire Devine TD, aims to establish spiking as a standalone offence, rather than relying on existing legislation designed to prosecute other forms of harm.
The proposal follows reports of 278 spiking incidents to An Garda Síochána since 2022. According to figures cited by Ward, none has resulted in a prosecution under current legislation.
Ward has consulted with campaign groups, including Spiking in Ireland and Safe Gigs Ireland, during the preparation of the Bill. Concerns have also been raised that official figures may understate the scale of the problem, as some people seek medical assistance in hospitals rather than reporting incidents to Gardaí.
Alongside creating a standalone offence, the proposed legislation would establish a statutory toxicology pathway for victims. The measure is intended to support medical care and help those affected gather evidence that may assist any subsequent investigation or prosecution.
The Bill’s proposed maximum sentence of 10 years would apply to the most serious cases, rather than automatically to every conviction. Its eventual effect will depend on the legislation’s final provisions and progress through the Oireachtas.
