asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda Síochána will be instructed to take steps to curb the nuisance of street begging, particularly before the tourist season opens.

The Garda have standing instructions directing them to pay particular attention to begging at tourist resorts and in the vicinity of churches, hotels and railway stations.

A special reminder to the Force on this matter will be issued before the tourist season begins.

Would the Minister agree that there are more beggars now than there were four years ago?