Question from Deputy Michael Cahill - PQ 61801-25

To ask the Minister for Health the current protocols in place for cases where a patient presents at accident and emergency and reports suspected drink-spiking; the reason hospitals do not carry out toxicology testing in these cases, even when requested by patients and families; the measures in place to ensure timely Garda statements and preservation of evidence where a victim is incapacitated; if he will commit to establishing a clear national pathway across hospitals and Garda stations to ensure suspected spiking incidents are treated as crimes, investigated promptly, and supported by appropriate clinical and policing protocols; and if she will make a statement on the matter.