New law for the control of begging is welcome - Andrews

I am pleased to see a new law in place for the control of begging.  This will enable Gardaí to direct anyone begging near ATMs, night safes or shop entrances to stop and leave the area.

Under the new law, a person who begs in an aggressive, intimidating or threatening manner will be guilty of an offence.  This law was necessary as the High Court had found that the old law, dating from 1847, was unconstitutional.

This is an extremely important measure as many businesses believe the current levels of begging is damaging to our city in attracting tourists and new business opportunities.

The issue of begging is extremely important and a very difficult one to deal with.  I know that those who beg are often dealing with very serious personal circumstances.  However I know from my engagement with businesses and constituents that they feel that there are public order issues around begging that need to be deal with.

There are two new offences created by this new law.  One offence on the organising and directing of begging and one offence on living off the proceeds of begging.  The new offence carries severe penalties of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of €200,000 or both.  This will ensure that no one can fuel begging for their own personal gain. 

The law is focussed on begging when it becomes a public nuisance and gives people involved ample time to avoid a prosecution for a criminal offence.  It’s an effective way of dealing with begging while the State moves to deal with the social issues facing individuals.