NEW LEGISLATION WAS introduced on 2 February this year to help reduce “aggressive begging” in Ireland.
Under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2011, begging itself is not a criminal offence, but gardaí can move beggars from locations such as the front of shops, and cash machines.
They can also prosecute beggars who are found to be harrassing or intimidating people.
Also targeted under the act are those who direct or organise begging.
Today, the Irish Times reports that under this law, 540 people have been arrested in Dublin city centre to date, with 11o cases appearing in court.
There were also six arrests during an investigation into organised begging.
That is according to Inspector Patrick McMenamin, who was speaking to councillors on the Dublin Regional Authority about the law.
We ask: since it was enacted, have you found the “aggressive begging” legislation effective?
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