Retiring Director of Social Welfare Stephen Fisher says the Social Welfare Department must ensure no exploitation of the welfare system and called on the public to understand applications must be screened carefully.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning he emphasised the importance of application screening, saying the resources spent on social security make up a large proportion of total government expenses.

He said frontline staff must be careful in handling welfare applications and try their best to help people in need.

Speaking on the lump sum grant to non-governmental social organisations, he said an independent committee has been formed to handle complaints.

Being a civil servant for almost three decades, Mr Fisher stressed the significance of listening to the public and understanding their needs.