Nuisance 'chuggers' must have a permit under new law

RobYourBuilder

So-called chuggers or charity muggers who repeatedly approach pedestrians on the street looking for them to set up direct debit donations will soon have their activities curtailed by a new law and code of practice.

Some collectors have been criticised in the past for pestering members of the public as they walk along a street, with different collectors approaching them every few yards.

They do not currently need permits from the gardai in the same way that charities that make cash collections do, but that is about to change.

A code of practice is also being drawn up that will specify what practices collectors can engage in when looking for donations.

"It will mean those involved in direct debit collection will need permits and will be restricted to collecting on certain days in specified areas," said Ivan Cooper, director of advocacy with The Wheel, a group representing community and voluntary organisations.

"The direct debit type of collection is more intrusive because the collector is looking for information and an approach has to be made to a person.

Nuisance

"Where people have had a difficulty is that they are approached more than once on the same street and find themselves having to say 'no' maybe four times.

"We hope that permits will only be issued where a new agreed code of practice is adhered to."

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said it had contacted the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) recently after receiving a number of complaints from members of the public about the nuisance of chuggers.

"People think that we in the council have control over the charities, but it's not the case," said the spokesperson.

A date has not yet been set for the new regulations to be implemented, but it is hoped that they could come in as early as this summer.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/nuisance-chuggers-must-have-a-permit-under-new-law-31001762.html

Chuggers, junkies, beggars, got a euro for a hostel brigade - walking around any of the countries urban areas can be a pain in the hoop.

This is proposal is a most welcome development. Although I'd like to see them banned outright. If I wanted to donate, I'd find the charity in questions webpage and donate online.

Your Superior

RobYourBuilder wrote: »

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/nuisance-chuggers-must-have-a-permit-under-new-law-31001762.html

Chuggers, junkies, beggars, got a euro for a hostel brigade - walking around any of the countries urban areas can be a pain in the hoop.

This is proposal is a most welcome development. Although I'd like to see them banned outright. If I wanted to donate, I'd find the charity in questions webpage and donate online.

Already been covered, but what if you'd never heard of the charity? Chuggers can increase awareness.

fleet_admiral

Sorry op, have you got a sec

What will the fee be for these permits?

c_man

Your Superior wrote: »

Already been covered, but what if you'd never heard of the charity? Chuggers can increase awareness.

Yeah, of which organisations not to give any money to.

cloud493

Already a topic on this, but like I said, chuggers can **** right off, aggressive bastards who get paid for it anyway. I give to two charities a month, and thats all, local based Dublin charities, not paying their wages or for them to have a free holiday.

fleet_admiral

Sorry op, have you got a sec?