Sir, - In response to the question raised by Esther Steele (September 27th),"Who is the Minister for Beggars?", I contend that she herself is, as we all are. We have all a responsibility to ensure that Dublin does not become a "Third World city". We do this by getting involved in community projects such as the Simon Community, Focus Ireland, St Vincent de Paul. We do this by enlarging our social conscience when we ponder the circumstances of those mauled by the claws of the Celtic Tiger.
The reasons behind begging are a mixture of individual circumstances and Government policies. Questions on the legal position should be directed to either the Garda or the Minister for Health. Answers, though, are not so easy to come by. - Yours, etc.,
Steve McFarlane, (Simon Community volunteer), Mountain View Drive, Bray, Co Wicklow.