Section 14 of the Children Act, 1908, provides that if a parent causes or procures his or her child to be in any street, premises or place for the purpose of begging, the parent shall, on summary conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding £25, or alternatively, or in default of payment of such fine, or in addition to the fine, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months. If a parent is charged with an offence under that section, and it is proved that the child was in any street, premises or place for the purpose of begging, and that the parent allowed the child to be in the street, premises or place, he or she shall be presumed to have allowed the child to be in the street, premises or place for that purpose unless the contrary is proved.
In addition section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act, 1847, provides that a parent who causes, procures or encourages his or her child to beg is liable to be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one month.
It is intended to update the law protecting children from being sent out to beg by their parents, or any other persons who have the custody, charge or care of them, in the context of the preparation of the legislation which will deal mainly with juvenile justice matters. This legislation is now at an advanced stage of preparation.