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Written by David Raleigh
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Wednesday, 03 February 2010 |
BEGGARS are to be targeted under new legislation, and not before time, the Mayor of Limerick has told the Limerick Independent.
Mayor Kiely was reacting to an announcement by the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, who published new legislation to make begging an offence if its accompanied by threatening, violent or obstructive behaviour.
The reform comes after the current law, which dates from 1847, was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
The new Public Order Legislation gives Gardai the power to direct beggars to move on from bank machines, businesses, or private houses.
Under the law-begging in itself will not be criminalised-however it will be an offence if its accompanied by threats or intimidation.
“I had a look at the law and it looks very good. If it is introduced it would do away with the problems we’ve been having in Limerick City. The law specifically mentions people begging on streets and alongside ATMS, which is good news,” Mayor Kiely added.
Limerick’s First Citizen said he was also pleased that the proposed law did not loose the run of itself and go too far in its powers.
“There’s a fine of €400 and a month in prison if you’re convicted. There are also safeguards, which will see digression for Gardai in who they see begging.”
Anyone asking members of the public for money if they are effectively ‘caught short’ for paying for a bus or food etc and who is not behaving in a violent or threatening way is exempt from the law.
“A lot of these people are ‘trying it on’ and are not homeless. I’ve checked again on this issue and there should be no one in Limerick homeless. There are three specific officers dealing with homelessness in Limerick. If anyone becomes homeless then accommodation is found for them. B&B is paid for them, or the person is put on the City Council’s housing list or the Community Welfare Officer for the HSE would pay for accommodation for them,” Mayor Kiely said.
According to the Mayor the new legislation will also specifically target people begging for money from motorists at traffic lights.
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