19602 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

19602 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Of the benefit debt owed to the government, what is the breakdown of debt by the length of time clients have been receiving the benefit (ranging from less than 1 year, 1-5 years, 5-10 years, and 10+ years) and how much debt is owed by all clients in that category?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development that obtaining this information would require substantial collation and engagement and divert Ministry staff from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 185-4, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering the Member’s question is not in the public interest.