3458. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the protocols in place where a patient presents at A&E with suspected drink-spiking; the reason hospitals do not carry out toxicology testing in these cases; the measures in place to ensure timely Garda statements and preservation of evidence where a victim is incapacitated; if she will commit to establishing a clear national pathway to ensure suspected spiking incidents are treated as crimes, investigated promptly, and supported by appropriate clinical and policing protocols (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61186/26]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.