The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) has asked members of the public not to give money to children begging on the streets.
It issued the advice following in increase in the number of minors begging since the beginning of this year. According to the ISPCC, the upsurge is due to Roma parents and children who have arrived here since Romania joined the EU in January.
Mary Nicholson, director of the ISPCC's Leanbh project, said the welfare and safety of these children were at risk. She urged members of the public who were concerned over the wellbeing of such children to contact the Leanbh project on 01-644 7712 or the Garda.
"We have a team of staff who engage with children and parents on the street. They try to build up a rapport with them, get to know the family, provide a range of supports for them and address the underlying causes," Ms Nicholson said.
"We're trying to heighten awareness among these families that it is not acceptable to beg with children or to send a child out begging."
The ISPCC has noted a gradual decrease in the number of children begging on the streets since the Leanbh project was established in 1997. However, it has recorded a significant rise in numbers over the past five months.
While the society does not have figures for the increase, Ms Nicholson said it was obvious to see on the streets of Dublin and other large urban areas.
Some of the children who have come to the ISPCC's attention so far this year were as young as eight and nine years of age, while others were begging in cold and wet conditions.
The increase in begging may also be due to a High Court ruling in March of this year which struck down a 150- year-old law that criminalised begging, Ms Nicholson said.
However, it is still illegal for people to use children to beg under the Children's Act, while gardaí also have powers to tackle begging through public order legislation.
Ms Nicholson said the society's work with Roma families took time to produce results, but it was more effective than simply criminalising adults. "We need to ensure there are sufficient supports and services in place to engage with these families. We're just one agency, which links in with others, but everyone needs to work together to address this."
Prosecutions under the Children's Act for begging are rare, although prosecutions under the old Vagrancy (Ireland) Act of 1847 used to be more widespread until it was struck down.
About 750 people used to the charged under the Act each year. Most were not convicted but were more likely to receive a probation order. Just 75 people received convictions in 2005 under the Act, which carries a maximum penalty of one month in prison.
