45171 (2025). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

45171 (2025). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Since 1 October 2023, how many applications for Special Needs Grants for immediate and essential dental treatment, if any, have been received, broken down by month, region, age group (under 18, 18–64, and 65 and over), and result?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (The Ministry) that due to how debts are recorded in Ministry systems, answering this question would require a review of individual client files, and for the Ministry to undertake substantial manual collation and divert staff from their core duties. In accordance with the Speaker’s Ruling 185-4, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering this question is not in the public interest.