Mr. Martin Harte:

As stated by Deputy Mac Lochlainn this is not an issue specific to Dublin or Ireland. We have looked at models in other countries and in this regard have been in regular contact with the City of Westminster in London where begging is also a significant issue. It is actively considering the use of ASBOs in addressing particularly aggressive behaviour in this area. It has commissioned a range of studies on the issue over the past ten or 15 years and tried a whole range of initiatives, including diverted giving and so on. The belief is that it has worked to some degree and discussions on re-introducing it next year are ongoing. We are working closely with the City of Westminster, its associations and police around the introduction here of the use of ASBOs in relation to those persistently involved in aggressive begging, which is a behaviour.