Rise in Roma adults begging

THE number of adult members of the Roma Community begging on the streets is on the increase, according to the ISPCC, which described it as “surprising”.

The ISPCC also said it was concerned about the numbers of very young children begging, as figures show a rise last year – though overall numbers have fallen dramatically in the past decade.

The ISPCC’s Leanbh service has been operating since 1997. Its first annual report showed 2,872 sightings of child begging. By last year, that had fallen to 966, though that did mark a slight increase on the figure for the previous year.

The first half of last year saw a 30% fall in sightings, and in January last year there were just 23 sightings. However, the second half of the year saw a rapid rise and, in October 2009, there were 148 sightings.

Traditionally, child begging becomes more apparent before the start of the school term, and prior to Christmas. The Leanbh manager in the east, Adriana Fechete, said there was concern over the number of young children begging. Last year, 297 children aged four or younger were seen begging in the company of adults, while 398 children aged between 13 and 15 years were seen begging, almost always on their own.

“It is very concerning,” Ms Fechete said. “They are begging on their own but adults can be across the road or a few streets away, but there is no adult supervision. The children should be in school.”

Those seen begging in Dublin tended to be living in the area, or from no farther away than surrounding counties.

Ms Fechete said provisional figures for this year showed a similar level of sightings to those registered last year.

The ISPCC has said adults should not give to children begging.

* www.ispcc.ie/donate