Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Aggressive Begging from a Public Order Perspective: Discussion

9:30 am

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their submission to the committee.

It was acknowledged in the opening statements that the issue of begging is a complex one. Given that acknowledgement, why the focus on a policing solution to it? The term "aggressive begging", was mentioned. Most of the people we see begging on the streets are sitting passively in a sleeping bag with a cup in their hands. Perhaps the delegates would define what is considered to be aggressive begging. It is acknowledged that begging is a complex problem and that those who beg often have issues around alcohol and mental health, yet a policing solution is called for. Is there not a contradiction in that?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.