IBRAHIM OMER (Labour): Thank you, Mr Speaker. It's a pleasure to take a short call on Foreign Affairs (Consular Loans) Amendment Bill. For over 25 years the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been assisting New Zealanders in distress overseas by providing temporary financial assistance by way of a consul loan to them when they are in distress or when they don't have other means of financial assistance and their immediate health or safety is at risk. This is an important service for New Zealanders in distress.