There is a strong belief that legislation alone is not the universal answer to the complex social issues surrounding begging. Begging is inextricably linked to poverty, homelessness and proper access to social services. While the legislation is necessary because of the vacuum created by the Dillon judgment, the Government needs to continue to address the reasons people beg. Those that are most vulnerable in society tend to be the first to suffer from cutbacks implemented on their behalf so that the economy might recover. The incidence of begging associated with racketeering must be addressed with legislation such as this, but the fundamental causes that force the majority of people onto the streets to beg must be addressed. It is worth noting that the individual who initiated the original appeal on conviction, Mr. Niall Dillon, was described as a "college graduate who had fallen on hard times".

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