Child begging on the increase in Ireland

The number of young children begging on Ireland’s streets is rising.

Romany children account for most of the rise, while the number of traveller children has fallen by 22% in the last year.

The total number of sightings of children begging was 1,556, although there may be some duplication in that figure.

The figures are contained in the annual report of Leanbh, the ISPCCs service to protect children who beg.

Director Grace Kelly says it’s vital that we get more Romany children into school, but part of the problem is that children are turned away from schools because they don't speak English.

Leanbh try to teach these children to speak English and then help them integrate into the school system.