Report finds child begging up by 30%

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Sightings of child begging increased by 30 per cent in the last year, a study has found. The number recorded nationwide in 2006/2007 was 1,083 compared with 756 in 2005/2006, according to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC). The research, carried out by the ISPCC's Leanbh programme which protects children at risk on the streets, is being used as part of a public awareness campaign launched today to highlight the dangers of child begging. Leanbh manager Mary Nicholson said the hike was due to both a change in legislation making it no longer illegal for adults to beg and the growing numbers of Roma in Ireland. "The statistics from the Leanbh service show that there has been a significant increase in sightings of children begging," she said. "During the last year, there has been a shift in the profile of child begging. "Due to recent changes in legislation it is no longer illegal for an adult to beg. "However, under the 2001 Children Act, child begging represents a serious child protection concern that puts children at risk on every level, whether they are begging alone or with an adult," she said. The key message in the campaign is 'Giving Money Is Not The Answer'.