The number of children begging in Dublin is decreasing, while most of those sighted are either Roma or Travellers who face racism and discrimination, a report published yesterday shows.
Some 40 families consistently leave children to beg in Dublin, according to the annual report of Leanbh, a 24-hour service run by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
An evaluation report on the service by Trinity College Dublin has shown it has made a significant impact on child begging.
From October 2000 to September 2001, 1,766 incidences of children begging were recorded by Leanbh. Of these, 1,127 were Travellers and 419 were Roma children. Leanbh's annual report shows that during 2000-2001, 18 children who its staff or volunteers worked with stopped begging.
The Minister of State for children, Ms Mary Hanafin, yesterday launched the TCD evaluation report and Leanbh's annual report. She said the Government has allocated £90,000 to the project for the next three years.
