First Reading of the Draft Act (457 SE) on the Amendment of the Government of the Republic Act and Consequently Amending Other Acts (Reorganization of the Land Board into the Land and Spatial Planning Board)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, additional plenary session
Date: 2024-06-14 14:17
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 9
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 9/9 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item was the first reading of Draft Act 457, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Government of the Republic Act and consequently other acts. The primary objective of the bill is the reorganization of the Land Board (Maa-amet) into the Land and Space Agency (Maa- ja Ruumiamet, or MaRu), in order to solve the long-standing problem of fragmentation in land and spatial activities. Regional Minister Piret Hartman emphasized in her presentation that the reform is an excellent example of cross-silo cooperation, which will result in increased efficiency in state functioning, a reduction in administrative burden, and improved quality of services. MaRu will consolidate spatial data and expertise from various institutions, including the activities of the e-construction platform from the Ministry of Climate, the applied tasks of spatial planning from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, and tasks related to the implementation of architecture policy from the Ministry of Culture. The Minister confirmed that the number of state employees will not be increased during the creation of MaRu, and 61% of the service positions will be retained outside Tallinn. Yoko Alender provided the overview from the Environment Committee, expressing her personal and the committee’s great satisfaction with the long-awaited reform, which will help advance the organization of the living environment. During the negotiations, Madis Kallas, speaking on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction, supported the bill, stressing that combined efforts and better data valorization will help create a better living environment both in the countryside and in the city. Kallas particularly emphasized MaRu’s role as a strong partner for local governments that require assistance regarding the competence of specialists (architects, planners). Following the negotiations, the first reading of the bill was concluded.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 457 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for July 1st at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Madis Kallas (Social Democratic Party faction) delivered a thorough speech of support, emphasizing the importance of establishing MaRu for reducing fragmentation and supporting local municipalities that require comprehensive expertise in spatial creation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The second item on today's agenda is the first reading of Draft Act No. 457, concerning the amendment of the Government of the Republic Act and the subsequent amendment of other acts. The rapporteur for this item is the Minister of Regional Affairs, Piret Hartman.
Regionaalminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Bill 457, submitted to the Riigikogu, aims to reorganize the Land Board (Maa-amet) into the Land and Spatial Planning Board, consolidate the tasks related to the geology domain under the Ministry of Climate, and transfer the accessibility domain to the equal opportunities sector of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. This is intended to reduce administrative burden, improve the quality of services, and resolve the fragmentation within the land and spatial planning sector by offering a unified implementation body for assessing the living environment to achieve national objectives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker asked his colleagues for silence in the chamber so that the Minister's presentation could be heard, and recommended holding conversations outside the Riigikogu hall.
Regionaalminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Through the draft bill governing the organization of the state's land and spatial sector, the Land and Spatial Authority will be established. This new agency will consolidate spatial data, spatial planning tasks, and related competencies into a single institution, thereby reducing the fragmentation among state agencies and improving the living environment and spatial decision-making in collaboration with ministries and partners, all without increasing the number of positions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the minister, noted that there were no questions, and asked Environmental Committee member Yoko Alender to provide an overview of the discussion that had taken place in the Environmental Committee concerning the Riigikogu rostrum.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In her presentation, Yoko Alender stated that the Land and Space Agency must evolve into a competence center and an aggregator of services aimed at local governments and all stakeholders involved in spatial planning, which will enhance the living environment and the country's competitiveness. She added that although the process has been lengthy, the mood is positive and forward movement has begun.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the rapporteur, announced that there were no questions, opened the debate, and invited Madis Kallas, the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction, to the Riigikogu podium.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas stated that the creation of the Land and Spatial Agency will consolidate fragmented land and spatial data and services, increase the accessibility of knowledge and information, and establish a single, central national competence center for spatial planning. This is intended to improve the living environment and planning both in rural and urban areas, and enhance overall cooperation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
There are no further requests to speak, and the deliberations are concluded. The first reading of Draft Law 457 is concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is July 1st at 5:15 p.m. The supplementary sitting is concluded, and the Riigikogu will meet next week for a supplementary sitting. I wish everyone a peaceful and productive weekend.