Parents who let their children beg ‘should not be charged’

A CHILDREN’S charity yesterday expressed concern about the number of parents being prosecuted for allowing their children to beg.

According to the most recent garda statistics, 21 parents were prosecuted for the offence in 2004, with two convictions, one dismissal and 18 cases pending.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) said that although it understood the legislation was clear, it did not want to see parents prosecuted if at all possible.