Draft law amending the Family Benefits Act and other laws (507 SE) – first reading
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-10-14 18:12
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 156
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 37m
AI Summaries: 156/156 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first item on the agenda concerned the first reading in the Riigikogu (Parliament) of bill 507, the Act amending the Family Benefits Act and other Acts, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The presenter was the Minister of Social Protection, Signe Riisalo, who introduced the changes relating to the reduction of the parental benefit ceiling, the cessation of paying for spousal health insurance for dependents, and other changes in the health care and social protection sector. In addition, the extension of procedural deadlines and the health insurance funds' reserves, which allow for the distribution of additional funds to improve health services, were discussed. The economic impact of the changes in the social protection and health care sectors and their entry into force schedule were also important topics.
The second part featured a thorough discussion on demographics and impact assessments: the opposition emphasized that there is no clear responsibility and authority for those who prepared the impact assessment and why the involvement of demographers has not been undertaken; the discussion drifted towards greater and lesser social impacts and in the name of transparency. The day ended with the issuance of a final document and the next steps: the first reading was concluded, and the next presentation and procedural notice are scheduled for October 28th.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 507’s first reading is complete. The proposal to reject the bill during its first reading was unsuccessful; the vote result was: in favor 20, against 46, abstentions 0. The next stage in the bill's process is the completion of the first reading and continuation of the reading in the second or subsequent reading after discussion, in accordance with the order provided for in the Riigikogu’s agenda.
Most Active Speaker
Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa) was presented as the most active speaker throughout the agenda. His position was right-wing (or centrist, conservative), representing Isamaa and a leading oppositional stance on all matters, and he participated several times, directing the discussion and posing questions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
There are five items on today’s agenda. The first is the first reading of Draft Bill 507, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Family Benefits Act and other legislation. The presentation will be given by the Minister of Social Protection, Signe Riisalo.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Draft Bill 507, presented before the Riigikogu, which amends family benefits and other laws, reduces the upper limit of the parental benefit, lowering the ceiling from the triple level to the double level, terminates the payment of health insurance for a dependent spouse, expands the social tax exemption and the Health Insurance Fund's rights regarding claims management, increases the visit fee, the hospital bed day fee, and the prescription fee, and extends procedural deadlines, all in order to improve the accessibility of healthcare services and meet state budget forecasts for 2025–2028.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister and notes that there are questions, and asks Urmas Reinsalu to present them.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu accused the bill of deception, emphasized the controversial nature of its demographic impacts, and asked who was behind the lie and which officials had compiled its "Impact Analysis."
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that the draft bill includes two main changes affecting families with children: health insurance for a dependent spouse and the adjustment of the parental benefit ceiling. And while these changes will impact family incomes, they are not expected to have a visible effect on the birth rate. Furthermore, an analysis of parental benefits and child allowances, complete with policy recommendations, will be finalized by the end of the year.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gives thanks, Urmas Reinsalu raises his hand and asks about the procedure for conducting the session.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stated that the minister provided a lengthy response but failed to answer the specific question regarding which demographer had prepared the impact analysis. Furthermore, although the names were listed in the explanatory memorandum, he had not managed to obtain them himself.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Social Protection Minister Signe Riisalo said that she doesn't have it with her right now.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu demanded a written explanation and clarification from the minister to ascertain who made the assertion that shattering families' sense of security through such measures would positively impact the birth rate, while simultaneously warning of an Orwellian situation and emphasizing the necessity for fundamental clarity.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech was short and ended with thanks.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu poses the question of whether we would be able to guarantee something.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the colleague.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
This is an explanatory note which is addressed to Madam Minister.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman stated that the second page of the bill’s explanatory memorandum specifies who drafted the bill and who assessed it, and the Minister has already answered that question, so we will now proceed with questions and answers.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He noted that there is insufficient funding for healthcare, asking why money is taken from patients, most of whom are not wealthy, when a special tax could be levied on bank profits, and why the government attempts to take money from the poor rather than the rich.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
The visit fee will not be changed for patients in a more vulnerable situation (children up to 19 years old, pregnant women, mothers of children under one year, individuals over 63 years old, all pensioners, the unemployed, and recipients of subsistence benefits). Furthermore, refunds apply to prescription fees: if expenses exceed 100 euros, 50% is reimbursed for every additional euro spent, and if more than 300 euros are spent on prescription drugs, 90% of every euro exceeding 300 euros will be returned.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev calls the increase in the specialist consultation fee and the hospital inpatient fee, set to take effect from April 1, 2025, cynical, and questions whether analysis indicates that the 20-euro fee will not reduce access to care and will instead increase public expenditure in the future.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, approximately 57% of ER visits between 2020 and 2021 involved "green category" patients—those who could have been managed at the primary care level via a family doctor, meaning their visit to the Emergency Department should not have been necessary. The goal is to reduce the workload, conserve resources, and protect doctors. Furthermore, although the 20-euro visit fee has remained unchanged since 2013, it is affordable for approximately 550,000 workers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar thanks and turns to Lauri Laats with a request.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats said that the draft bill was rushed to the Riigikogu and the government lacks a long-term plan. The analysis of the economic impact is not clear from the explanatory memorandum, and the budget deficit of 195.4 million raises the question of whether this is a mathematical error or something else.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that the reserves of the Health Insurance Fund can be used to a greater extent, which provides temporary relief for a couple of years, but in the long term, healthcare must be made more efficient and additional funds must be found. He added that the visit fee, prescription fee, and hospital bed-day fee are resources that are freed up either for the Health Insurance Fund or the healthcare service provider in order to prevent treatment waiting lists from getting longer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his sincere thanks and invites Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk claims that the draft bill cuts both ways: it harasses those with low incomes, but in reality, it fleeces successful young families and reduces parental benefits and incapacity benefits. This is because the basis used is the average salary from two years prior (not based on the two average monthly incomes of 2026), and the same scheme applies to incapacity benefits, despite social tax being paid.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that Aivar Kokk is the next speaker.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk points out that many people don't take sick leave but instead go to work while ill, and asks, is that really what you want?
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech was a thank-you.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the state is trying to find a balance between austerity measures and tax increases. A small security tax will be added, and the reference period for parental benefits—meaning the income or social tax paid in the year before last—will remain permanent, with no plans to change it, as this helps prevent fraudulent schemes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks that Aleksei Yevgrafov be given the floor.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker, Aleksei Yevgrafov, points out that people want to save money, but access to specialist medical care is poor due to long waiting times. He asks the minister how this can be improved and whether the draft bill and the raising of fees will increase the number of people who cannot get timely medical assistance.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
The limited number of specialists in Estonia means that the family doctor must conduct the initial assessment and, if necessary, provide referrals for specialized medical care. Meanwhile, vulnerable and low-income individuals can access appointments for a 5-euro fee, and free medical care remains in place.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Thank you, the next speaker is Andre Hanimägi.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She recalls that the discussed alternative of reducing the parental benefit period was dropped, and asks whether, under the current legislative amendment, other income earned concurrently with the parental benefit might not impact the benefit amount. This would allow recipients to receive the full parental benefit while maximizing their time at work, a situation already permitted in certain professions.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that there is no need to debate the length of the parental benefit period, as it is reasonable and Estonia is a leader in this field. However, shortening the period would place an additional burden on local governments due to the shortage of nursery places. Moreover, starting from 2026, the amount of the parental benefit will no longer depend on the recipient's earned income, allowing them to work while staying at home with the child without the benefit being reduced.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vooglaid labeled the draft law as yet another anti-family measure, noting that it slashes benefits for large families and strips health insurance from mothers who are raising children. He then questioned why legislation needs to restructure family models for the sake of ideological objectives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, legislation and benefits must be balanced to reflect how society has changed, given that family models have shifted and the proportion of blended families, divorced families, and single parents has increased.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo is asking the minister how much money would be saved by discontinuing social tax contributions for stay-at-home parents.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo cites 1.35 million from memory, noting that she cannot find the figure in the documents.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets criticizes the hike in the visit fee, pointing out that poverty is increasing during the economic downturn (for instance, reaching 33% in Lääne-Virumaa by the end of 2023). He further questions how it is decided who receives assistance and whether this process demands unnecessary bureaucracy and the verification of income and personal situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and asks to give the floor to Anti Poolamets.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo explained that the visit fee is waived for those whom covering these additional costs helps, and aid is distributed according to the person's status (pensioner, disabled person, partial work capacity, or incapacity for work). Furthermore, there is a subsistence benefit that must be applied for independently, the limits of which are 200 euros for the first adult family member, 160 euros for every additional adult, and 240 euros for every minor.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to come up and speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart claims that the Social Democrats are increasing the specialist doctor visit fee fourfold, along with the hospital bed-day fee and the price of medicines, and although these amounts seem small, they burden the most vulnerable and could significantly jeopardize their ability to cope and their security.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that although the daily bed fee and the prescription fee are rising, maximum limits and automatic discounts apply, and efforts are being made to burden vulnerable groups as little as possible. Furthermore, as a result of these changes, a person’s monthly co-payment in nursing care will decrease by 260 euros, which is related to the list of health services and the planning of the state budget.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a very short request to invite Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme is accusing the current government via two pieces of legislation: first, the removal of the ban preventing pedophiles from working with children, and second, attacks against the weakest and the poorest. He labels this "family hatred" and "population extinction," citing budget savings and tax hikes, and concludes by asking whether their ultimate goal is, in fact, the demise of the Estonian people.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the Estonian constitution assigns the state the task of preserving and growing the population, but the demographic crisis cannot be solved merely by high parental benefits. This is because the biggest shortfall in birth rates occurs when women have few children earlier in life or postpone births, and therefore, it is necessary to address the inequality in women's pensions and the funding of care work in order to create a secure and economically stable environment.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik argues that the devaluation of the concept of marriage and the family model, coupled with cost-cutting at the expense of children, threatens the sustainability of the Estonian state. This is because without a proper family model, children will not be born, and consequently, future taxpayers will not emerge. Furthermore, the parental benefit is actually intended for the child, not for the mother or the father.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Social Protection Minister Signe Riisalo said that the parental benefit is intended to compensate for lost income, not for the child.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Rain Epler to come up onto the stage.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticized the government for implementing tax increases and cutting family support, and questioned whether these steps would increase families' sense of security and the desire to have children, or, conversely, decrease them.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo emphasizes that family benefits rose significantly between 2022 and 2024 and are, in his view, financially manageable, although fixed costs are covered by loans, and at certain times the support was not affordable for us.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar called Riina Solman to the front.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman emphasized that the impact of the draft bill should be assessed by involving a demographer, and she asked why a demographer is not included in the legislative process, arguing that officials alone do not provide the people's mandate and demographic expertise is necessary.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
The analysis commissioned by the State Ministry of Social Affairs concerning the impact of child and family benefits and parental allowances involves nearly all demographers working in Estonia, but the explanatory memorandum is usually written by ministry officials, utilizing existing demographic studies and other materials.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called upon Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes that the specialist doctor visit fee is being charged to vulnerable target groups, and that this regionally burdens rural areas. At the same time, he questions why the extension of procedural deadlines up to 30 working days is justified and requests a genuine explanation for it.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that compared to August of last year, approximately 24% of the officials at the Social Insurance Board are being laid off, with another 58 people following next year—three of whom handle the processing of pension applications and three the determination of the degree of disability. He noted that while processing deadlines will be extended, people have long known the final dates for their retirement and disability decisions, allowing them to submit applications early to avoid delays.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a thank you and an invitation for Rene Kok to speak.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk criticized the state's expenditures on the SKAIS1/2 projects, noting that the proportion is out of balance and the processing time for applications is dragging on, which affects many people. He called on the ministers to get the IT system working so that people could submit their applications on time.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the severity of the disability is determined by an expert physician, not by IT systems, and this requires using assessments of the individual’s ability to cope in their usual living environment, received from the family doctor, specialist doctors (if necessary), and often from a social worker. This proves that it is not an IT issue, and that they have done everything not to harm vulnerable groups, utilizing small target groups to help as many people as possible while minimizing negative consequences.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid claims that although the explanatory memorandum of the law states the goal is to promote the participation of both parents in the labor market, in reality, it increases pressure on both parents to go to work and disrupts the family model where one parent dedicates themselves to domestic duties.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman addresses Varro Vooglaid, asking him to speak.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, a parent may continue to stay at home if the family’s daily life permits, but the analysis simultaneously shows that among the 1,051 parents, some register themselves as unemployed with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (to obtain health insurance), others go to work (to obtain health insurance), and yet others purchase insurance from the private sector. Approximately 10% of them fail to take these steps, emphasizing that in modern society, it is normal to work regardless of gender or parental role.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar describes the situation where a call is made and the Minister responds to Varro Vooglaid.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo says he has nothing more to say, whereupon a voice is heard from the hall.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo accuses the government, stating that the most vulnerable residents of rural areas are losing access to services due to the car tax, more expensive public transport, the cancellation of free transport, and the rising fees for specialist doctor visits. She questions whether they are actually making things better or are just presenting empty slogans.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that people living away from major cities are often capable of managing on their own, and that this is their free choice. However, for vulnerable target groups, regardless of where they live, 5- and 20-euro visit fees apply. These fees are charged only once; there is no charge for repeat visits.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak asks for an unequivocal answer on whether the current government plans, as part of the ongoing cuts, to avoid reducing child benefits or family benefits, and whether it will expand parents' opportunities to earn a greater income while staying home and receiving parental allowance.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Õnne Pillakas to the stage.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
The government is not making changes to pension indexation or child benefits. However, in addition to the change in the maximum parental benefit, it will give people staying home with a child the opportunity to work and earn as much as they can without their parental benefit being reduced.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman gives thanks and addresses Martin Helme with a request.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accused the government of daily breaches of the constitution and of destroying the demographic situation, saying that the government is creating a hostile climate for mothers and children. He then asked rhetorically, how is it that we can afford to pay Ukraine 200 million and NGOs 300 million?
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is the message: now is your time to act.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claims that 200 million euros in foreign aid is manageable, but covering it requires taking 18 million at the expense of their children and their parents, and he concludes with the words: "You are perverts!"
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman offers his thanks and addresses the Minister, Madam, with a request.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the expenditures made for the benefit of the nation's people should fit within the revenue collected from taxes, but currently they do not, and adjustments must be made. Examples were cited from Finland and many other countries where cost-saving measures are being implemented in social protection due to the cooling of the economy, as all countries inevitably have to increase their security spending.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the Minister and asks his colleagues to maintain proper and respectful language, before turning attention to Kalle Grünthal.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal accused the government of failing to answer Martin Helme's question and squandering funds elsewhere instead of prioritizing the people. He stressed the violation of Article 28 (protection of health) and Article 16 (right to life) of the Constitution, arguing that people no longer have access to basic services. He cited the *Lambert v. France* judgment and asked whether the proposed bill would ultimately lead to proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the expenditures made for maintaining foreign policy partnerships and providing aid are not comparable to social protection expenditures; the total expenditure for pensions and health insurance stands at 5.4 billion euros, and the relatively small costs incurred in the name of preserving the State (with a capital 'S') are resources that have been well spent.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Karmen Joller to take the floor.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Karmen Joller expresses concern over the magnitude of the cuts in the Ministry of Social Affairs budget and in expenditures made for partner countries, asking about their proportion in the state budget, whether the cuts are proportional, and how they were implemented, noting that it appears as though they were made sparingly.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
The state budget is about 18 billion euros, and pensions, health insurance, and child and family benefits constitute a large part of that. Two types of cuts are being implemented: percentage cuts (5%/3%/2% in 2025–2027) and savings achieved through a zero-base budget at the level of three ministries. Although these cuts are small, the objective is to protect the well-being of the people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Henn Põlluaas to give a speech.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas criticized the failure to follow good consultation practices during the processing of the draft bill. He noted that the proposals, put forward during a demographic crisis, raise questions about the financial well-being of families and individuals, and he asked why the country is being governed so carelessly.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo noted that the subsistence level has been raised, and both old-age pensions and support payments for people with disabilities have increased. He added that the Riigikogu (Parliament) has processed bills concerning special welfare and nursing. However, while he believes the government cares about people, he finds the budget preparation process to be delayed and the inclusion process inadequate, stating that it must be reformed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar addresses Evelin Poolamets and makes a request of her.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets believes that ending the payment of health insurance contributions for parents raising two or more children until the youngest child reaches the age of three is unprecedented and cruel, and creates obstacles for young mothers returning to work. She calls for impact analyses to determine the consequences of this change regarding the exacerbation of chronic diseases, health impairments, and the impact on a woman's future and her ability to have more children.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
The country's laws reflect societal norms regarding the duration of parental leave—three years, during which the employer must guarantee the parent their job and health insurance. Furthermore, lost income is compensated for eighteen months. Recently, the calculation of sick leave and care leave pay for individuals who received parental benefits and returned to work was amended, ensuring that parents who were home with a child receive a higher actual income upon returning to work than the previous minimum guarantee.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman highlights the summer population forecast from Statistics Estonia, according to which the population of Estonia might be around 1.2 million by the year 2085. Based on the monthly decline in population, she asks how much money remains in the state budget due to the low birth rate, and whether this amount has already been calculated and factored into the budget.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Riina Solman to speak.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that he currently lacks a specific calculation, but an analysis is being finalized regarding the factors influencing families’ fertility behavior and the poverty of families with children. He plans to investigate with the analysis department whether, and what kind of model, could be developed for such calculations, as the assumptions and simplicity depend on various population projection scenarios.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked the minister whether the changes made in the laws—including both the reduction of social benefits and tax increases, or the current draft bill—would be able to increase families' sense of security and promote growth in the birth rate.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that the government's activities, which are focused on economic and military security, increase people's sense of security, but the impact of major changes, such as altering child benefits or family allowances, does not increase the sense of security, and he disagrees with the claim that the entire society would lose its sense of security due to a change affecting 1051 or 3500 people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Rene Kokk to come.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk returns to the subject of his previous question, accusing the ministry of having tunnel vision when viewing the country's development. He argues that reducing child benefits, extending processing times, increasing the co-payment rate for prescription medicines, and raising the visit fee for outpatient care and the daily hospital bed fee will not improve the daily lives of people who need assistance. He then asks how these decisions are actually supposed to improve their situation.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
The state plans to operate economically, primarily by reducing labor costs (5% in the first year, 3% in the second, and 2% in the third). This includes cuts affecting officials at the Social Insurance Board, which may seem inconvenient in some cases. However, it is emphasized that applications can be submitted early, and the agency is prohibited from violating the law; furthermore, should a procedure take longer, there is a legal basis for the delay.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul notes that the draft bill does not include need-based support and questions the basis and rationale for lowering the ceiling for parental benefits, how the decision was reached to change three to two, and why the patient co-payment in healthcare was increased from 5 euros to 20 euros.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stressed the necessity of a universal child support system and argued that the draft legislation should not make child benefits means-tested. He further noted that reducing the parental benefit calculation from three average incomes to two average incomes would likely encourage fathers to continue working high-paying jobs, leaving mothers with small children as the primary recipients of parental benefits and other associated guarantees.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar invites Kalle Grünthal to take the floor.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal criticizes that the minister failed to answer his question regarding the increase of the consultation fee, the prescription fee, and the daily inpatient fee, and warns that raising these charges could violate rulings by the European Court of Human Rights and the Oviedo Convention, and be unconstitutional.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo announced that the family doctor's visit fee would not apply, but approximately 550,000 people will pay a one-time visit fee of 20 euros, while around 700,000 people will simultaneously receive a 5-euro discount. The hospital bed-day fee will double, but the maximum charge for hospital bed days will remain at 50 euros. Furthermore, vulnerable groups—including those up to 19 years old, pregnant women, mothers of children under the age of one, those over 63, pensioners, the unemployed, recipients of subsistence benefits, and individuals with partial or no work capacity—will be afforded greater protection.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik emphasizes that withdrawing health insurance coverage from mothers, especially for large families in rural areas, makes life even harder and forces the woman to work full-time, essentially turning her into a chauffeur, while simultaneously damaging family values and the desire to have children.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo noted that work is regulated by law, and although home childcare is a full-time commitment and single parents may not have a choice, he does not find it logical to compensate certain individuals through taxes at the expense of others.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Evelin Poolamets to come forward.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Questions are being asked about whether an impact analysis has been carried out and how the amendment to the law affects the health of parents with two children when health insurance payments stop upon the younger child turning three, and whether other options were also considered, such as continuing the payments until the child is five or six years old.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo pointed out that social insurance is individualized, and what is particularly worrying is that women who have spent many years at home caring for children and/or others may only receive the national pension as their future retirement benefit.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Priit Sibul to take the floor.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul criticizes needs-based support measures, calling them unreasonable, and points out that Parliament has yet to submit a single draft bill concerning spending cuts. He then asks what specific nuances or amendments within this bill are actually supposed to boost families' sense of security.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo says that he has not spoken about needs-based child allowance and asks what needs-based social benefits might look like, but adds that there are no more types of benefits left to introduce in the social welfare sector—everything is already in place.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks his colleagues to allow the Minister to finish his speech.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stressed that the universal child allowance, coupled with need-based components, offers families a sense of security. Changes to parental benefits affect 12% of recipients (mostly fathers), but they do not substantially alter the family's actual feeling of security. Furthermore, those who wish to work while staying home with their child can now do so without fearing that their income will reduce their parental benefit.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a short, straightforward request directed at Lauri Laats.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats criticized the draft bill presented by the minister, arguing that it would cut benefits and raise the prices of services, and that it lacked any socio-economic or budgetary impact. He also inquired about the budgetary impact for 2025–2026 and pointed to page 16 of the explanatory memorandum, where there appeared to be a mathematical error: the deficit changes from 224.6 million to 195.4 million due to a 51.4 million correction. He then asked whether this was simply a slip-up or something more significant.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that social sector costs will increase by 280,000 euros next year, but positive impacts on the state budget will become evident in 2026–2028: 18.29, 29.01, and 35.33 million euros. The visit fee, hospital day fee, and prescription fee will generate savings between 2025 and 2028: 17.8 million euros in 2025, 20.4 million in 2026, and the same amount in 2027–2028. Furthermore, regarding the positions held by the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa), he promised a written response to the Minister of Health, stating that he lacked the competence to answer that specific question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked them and invited Vadim Belobrovtsev to take the floor.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev asked why the 5-euro consultation fee will be extended next year to children under the age of two and pregnant women, and how this is consistent with family and demographic policy.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Signe Riisalo stated that compared to 2013, visit fees have been converted into euros, and given the rise in salaries and inflation, it is appropriate to maintain more favorable conditions for vulnerable groups. Regarding the 20-euro visit fee, the focus should instead be on the working-age population who do not meet the criteria for belonging to a vulnerable group. She noted that this is a one-time charge, as no recurring fee is applied if the individual remains under observation or treatment with the service provider. Furthermore, for young children, the relationship with the family doctor is particularly crucial, since the service remains free for all vaccinations and routine child health checks, and the family doctor is capable of identifying issues and, if necessary, referring the child for additional specialist care.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invited Tõnis Lukas to speak.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas asks whether it is logical to treat people who are employed and people who raise children at home in the same manner, and whether a childless single person could, in the future, demand the same from the state as someone who has raised four children.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that it is unequal to compare 1,051 women who have a providing spouse and health insurance with single mothers who have three or four children, because when that single mother goes to work and pays taxes, those taxes also guarantee health insurance for the mother who has a spouse supporting her.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder is criticizing the inconsistency between the minister's explanatory notes and the actual figures. He stresses the necessity of differentiating between universal and needs-based social benefits, and further inquires which specific benefits, according to the coalition agreement, are slated to become needs-based.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the needs-based principle must be reflected mainly in services and, where necessary, in financial assistance, rather than in substantially increasing benefits. He added that while a foundation is already in place, supplementary support should be tailored to the needs of each group (children, people with disabilities, and the elderly).
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls Urmas Kruuse.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse voiced concerns regarding the discrimination faced by large families. He inquired about the distribution of child support between families with one child versus those with three or more, noted that the total sum of outstanding alimony debts amounts to roughly 100 million euros, and referenced the political pressure to increase birth rates and the growing sense of insecurity amid changing cultural landscapes. He added that we have a war close by, and concluded by asking whether this supposedly generous system has perhaps caused harm.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated briefly that 80 euros is paid for the first and second child, 100 euros for the third and subsequent children, 450 euros for a family with 3–6 children, and 650 euros in the case of 7 or more children, in addition to a separate benefit for single parents. He emphasized that having a child is primarily a personal decision, which depends on a trustworthy partnership and a sense of security, and this topic also encompasses the issue of child support defaulters.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Helir-Valdor Seeder to speak.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks what the cumulative impact of cuts to taxes, excise duties, service fees, and family benefits would be for a large family following the 2023 elections, and requests that these impacts be listed individually.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that he would not read the materials aloud and advised waiting for the analysis on families' economic coping and the desire to have children, which is being prepared for completion at the end of the year alongside a demographic analysis.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Aleksei Jevgrafov to come forward.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Yevgrafov asks why, starting next year, a 5-euro visit fee will be implemented for children aged 2 and younger, even though they are currently exempt, and requests clarification on whether this will generate additional funds and what those funds will be used for.
Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the proposed increase in the visit fee outlined in the draft legislation will result in healthcare service providers receiving an additional 8.8 million euros during the first full year of implementation. This funding will allow for the provision of more and higher quality services to the public, and the money will not be directed into the state treasury.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman concludes the question round, thanks the Minister, and invites Karmen Joller, member of the Social Affairs Committee, to report on the discussion held in the lead committee.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Karmen Joller provided an overview of the Social Affairs Committee meeting, where they discussed questions pertaining to the draft bill regarding patient visit fees, limitations on parental benefits, the reserves of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa), and future financing. It was decided to move the draft bill to the plenary session, designate Joller as the lead committee, and conclude the first reading consensually (5 votes in favor, 3 against, 0 abstentions).
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller opened the negotiations and announced that only representatives of the factions (the minister, if necessary) would be allowed to speak, and Kert Kingo from the EKRE faction would speak first. Kingo requested extra time and was granted three additional minutes.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo claims that the draft bill will make medical care less accessible and increase the burden on rural areas and families. Furthermore, it raises the consultation fee, the inpatient day fee, and the prescription fee, and eliminates the state's payment of social security contributions for a non-working spouse, which is why she urges the rejection of the draft bill during its first reading.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Riina Solman represented the Isamaa faction and submitted a request.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman stressed that the Isamaa faction does not support the minister's draft bill because it is focused on process and budget rather than the welfare of families and children. Furthermore, the changes to parental benefit limits, coupled with cuts and the lack of clarity regarding the allocation of funds, demonstrates that the state does not care about families.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The message of the presentation was three minutes of extra time.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman said that the money freed up by cutting higher incomes must not be used to cut family policy, and that such signals could reduce birth rates and change parents’ willingness to stay home with a child, while the state must not act as the primary caregiver. Furthermore, raising the consultation fee burdens vulnerable groups and could worsen the quality of healthcare services—which is why, according to her, Isamaa does not support the bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski is speaking by mandate on behalf of the Reform Party Faction.
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Marija Jufereva-Skuratovski emphasized that the upper limit of the parental benefit must be reduced from the current three times the average salary to two times, and the reduction of the parental benefit while working must be abolished. This is intended to reduce income inequality, increase fairness, and promote flexible working and career opportunities related to raising a child. She requested the Riigikogu's support for the draft legislation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Lauri Laats represents the Estonian Centre Party faction and requests permission to begin his address.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats labeled the bill introduced today a complete mess and an omnibus bill, pointing out that it lacks both a development plan and necessary analyses. He noted that although it affects over a million people, it is unclear how much it will increase citizens' payments or the state budget—which, according to him, is a very bad example of the government's working style.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller wants the speech to last three extra minutes.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats argues that the proposed bill would impose a visit fee on 40,000 people—including parents of children under two and pregnant women—to access supplementary funds, thereby jeopardizing demographic stability and the option of raising children at home. Consequently, he suggests rejecting the bill and substituting it with voluntary insurance.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
According to Arvo Aller, the negotiations are being terminated at the minister's request, and we must now vote on the board's proposal to conclude the first reading of draft bill 507, as well as the proposal put forth by the EKRE and Center Party factions to reject draft bill 507 during its first reading.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announced that 20 Riigikogu members supported the proposal, 46 were against, and 0 abstained, meaning the proposal did not receive support; the first reading of Bill 507 is concluded, the deadline for submitting amendments is October 28 of the current year at 5:15 p.m., and we have concluded the proceedings on today's first agenda item.