I am informed by the Garda authorities that although most areas in the country experience some form of begging, the most prevalent area where this is organised is Dublin city centre. A number of gardaí attached to the Pearse Street, Harcourt Terrace and Store Street Garda stations have been appointed to liaise with the ISPCC's Leanbh initiative. Ongoing daily contact takes place and monthly meetings are held.
Gardaí and Leanbh personnel have identified the majority of families whose children beg. Leanbh outreach personnel work with them in a holistic way on an outreach basis. I understand that many of the children found begging are in the seven to eight year age bracket. I understand that these children are taken off the street by gardaí or Leanbh volunteers and returned to their homes.
In addition to the above, the various health boards are also notified. I understand that the ISPCC inform both the Garda and the relevant health board in writing as a matter of course, and follow up with visits to the families by their own Leanbh outreach workers.
