Five thousand rejected applications for grants and assistance from the government.

The Social Development Minister Donna Cox says there have been blatant attempts by some to defraud the State.

Senator Cox yesterday said the Ministry rejected 5,000 applications because those making the requests were either non-nationals, students, or had incomes exceeding the qualifying limit.

The Minister said such applications clogged up the system and affected the speed at which bona fide requests are handled.

Senator also highlighted some of the money spent on the poor and needy.

She noted that despite the criticism, evidence would show that no one was left behind.

Senator Cox made it clear that government took care of every citizen who needed help without reducing the old age pension and other social safety networks.