Begging restrictions bill 'does nothing for most vulnerable'

A LEADING advocate for homeless people has expressed concern about new plans to ban begging near bank machines and other premises and has warned they do little to address the root cause of the problem.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern last night concluded a Dáil debate on the public order section of the Criminal Justice Bill 2010, which includes restrictions on begging. Under the legislation, begging will now be an offence where it is accompanied by unacceptable conduct, such as harassment, intimidation or obstruction. Gardaí will also be able to arrest beggars if they stay within 10 metres of an ATM or business and refuse to move.

Fr Peter McVerry, who has worked with Dublin’s homeless for more than 30 years, said he understood the reasoning behind the legislation but pointed out that often those asking for money on the streets had no other choice.