There are increasing calls for greater action on incidents of drinks being spiked in pubs and nightclubs. Victims are severely affected by having their drinks spiked and this practice is also associated with sexual assaults. However, considerable uncertainty exists in this area as incidents are under-reported. Often, when individuals realise what has happened, the substances may have left their system. We need victims to be assured that they will be listened to and respected by gardaí and hospitals. This is an issue that the Rape Crisis Centre organisation and student unions are raising. This evening, there will be a rally in University College Cork to highlight the issue. What actions will the Government take on the issue of drink-spiking?

The spiking of drinks is a heinous and awful crime. I am very much aware of the threats of violence and intimidation that are caused by those engaged in it. My message to all who fall victim to that appalling criminal practice is to please have trust in our hospitals and gardaí to come forward because the issue will be treated with the seriousness that it absolutely demands.

On what the Government is doing in response, one of the many reasons An Garda Síochána will have funding of over €2 billion next year is to respond to this and other serious matters in society. The Department of Justice will revert to the Deputy during the day with more detail on what it plans to do given the event to which the Deputy referred.