John Kelly (Labour)

I do not want to appear heartless by bringing up this issue, but begging in this country must be tackled. Begging is mainly city based here and is not seen to the same extent in country areas. The UK has legislation in place to deal with this issue, on the basis of three strikes and then one is out, but we have not legislated for it. Every night on the streets of Dublin city I am approached by two, three, four or more people. One night last week I was approached by 11 people begging for money. On another occasion when I was out in Dublin, I noticed a group of American tourists being approached by a beggarman with a black eye. In my view, this sent out a bad signal to tourists visiting this country because such approaches are not typical of the friendliness Irish people show to tourists.

Many articles have been written in the UK about begging and one recent article indicated that professionals such as teachers and others are out at night begging and earning up to €200. Whether it is professional begging or it is begging to feed a habit, we need to legislate for it. I did some research on begging in the US and noticed one fellow with a sign saying his wife had been kidnapped and he was 99 cent short of the ransom. What is happening is unbelievable. It may be comical on occasions, but it is big business. Begging sends out a bad signal. There is financial help available for people in need. As I pass along D'Olier Street every morning on my way to work, I see the same people I saw begging the night before outside the social welfare offices waiting for money from the community welfare officer. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Justice to introduce legislation on the basis of "three strikes and you are out". If it happens that people are found begging on three occasions, this should have a direct impact on their social welfare payment and money should be docked from them.