439. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of times spiking was mentioned on the Garda PULSE system for the years 2021 to 2026. [66965/26]

Spiking is a crime that preys on vulnerability, that undermines consent and that can have devastating consequences for victims. As Minister, I am committed to fostering a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).

Spiking a person's drink or spiking someone by injection are, in effect, poisoning and are criminal offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Depending on the circumstances of the case and the offences disclosed, a range of criminal charges may arise.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that data relating to reported spiking incidents is published annually. Per the published and updated data provided by An Garda Síochána, the number of reported spiking incidents nationwide was:

• 61 in 2021;

• 107 in 2022;

• 52 in 2023;

• 61 in 2024; and

• 58 in 2025.

Data for 2026 is not yet available.

I am informed that each of the reported incidents was investigated by An Garda Síochána. I am further advised that Garda division-level counts are not available due to the low volume of incidents recorded.

An Garda Síochána takes all reports of spiking seriously and thoroughly investigates each incident to determine the exact nature of the circumstances involved, including consideration of toxicology evidence where appropriate. I would encourage any victim of spiking to report the matter to Gardaí.

I am advised that the data on spiking incidents will continue to be made available through annual proactive publication.