The public is being asked for its views on proposals to
decriminalise rough sleeping and begging. Justice Minister has published a consultation on
the repeal of section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and section 3 of
the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
The consultation is seeking views on whether repeal of this
legislation will leave any significant gaps in the criminal law,
taking into account the range of other offences available to deal
with public disorder, disorderly behaviour and harassment in
public places.
Launching the public consultation, Justice Minister said: “I do not believe
it is appropriate to criminalise people who are simply begging
but who are not otherwise behaving in a way that would attract
criminal sanction. I am fully aware that begging and rough
sleeping are often linked to underlying issues, such as poverty,
alcohol and drug addiction, poor mental health, sexual and
domestic abuse, and family breakdown.
“These are complex and cross-cutting issues which require
a multi-agency response of support rather than criminalising
people under arcane laws simply because of their personal
circumstances.”
The Department is particularly keen to hear from key
stakeholders, including those involved in the delivery of health
and social care and organisations within the voluntary and
community sector which provide support to people begging or
sleeping rough.
The consultation can be viewed at the publication section of
this website
Notes to editors:
1. Currently, prosecutions for rough sleeping are made under
section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and prosecutions for begging
are made under section 3 of the 1847 Ireland Act.
