Second Reading of the Draft Act (347 SE) on the Amendment of the Aviation Act and the Health Care Services Organization Act
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-02-21 16:18
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 9
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 20m
AI Summaries: 9/9 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the second reading of Draft Act 347, which amends the Aviation Act and the Health Services Organization Act. The draft act was initiated by the Government of the Republic last November, with the aim of resolving a long-standing conflict regarding the performance of medical flights using Police and Border Guard (PPA) helicopters. The Economic Affairs Committee conducted a thorough procedure, involving various stakeholders in four sessions, including representatives of the NGO Estonian Ambulance Helicopter and the Estonian Aviation Cluster.
During the debate, it became clear that the original wording might have given the wrong signal, suggesting that ambulance flights could only be conducted using PPA helicopters in the future. This was not the intention of either the committee or the initiator. The committee cooperated with stakeholders to ensure the availability of the service using other helicopters as well. The Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed that an additional cost-effectiveness analysis of air transport organization will be compiled in 2024 to assess whether the private sector could provide the service better and more efficiently.
Decisions Made 1
The Economic Affairs Committee submitted two amendments, both of which were fully adopted upon the recommendation of the lead committee. The second reading of Bill 347 was concluded, and the committee proposed sending it for a third reading on February 22nd.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Toomas Uibo, who delivered an extended address on the state of medical flights in Estonia. He stressed the importance of saving human lives, cited examples of cases where the speed of emergency response was critical, and criticized the current system for its inefficiency. Uibo advocated for involving the private sector in providing the service and supported the adoption of the draft legislation. His political affiliation is not specified in this text.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The second item on the Riigikogu agenda is the debate on the second reading of Draft Bill No. 347, initiated by the Government, concerning amendments to the Aviation Act and the Health Services Organization Act. The report will be presented by Priit Lomb, Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
The presentation gave the impression that the draft bill amending the Aviation Act and the Health Services Organization Act was discussed with the involvement of several stakeholders, addressing the future organization and possible nationalization of the ambulance helicopter service. Furthermore, it was decided to move the draft bill to the second reading on February 20–21 and, if necessary, to the third reading on February 22, emphasizing the protection of human lives and the accessibility of the service.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked [the speaker] for the clear and concise overview, stated that he had no questions, opened the discussion, and Toomas Uibo requested three additional minutes.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
This is Toomas Uibo's opening address, in which he welcomes the presiding officer and his colleagues, and outlines the upcoming topics.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that the screens had gone blank and were displaying yellow instead of blue. He apologized and promised to continue, noting that his colleagues sometimes get annoyed when that happens.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Uibo stated that the presented draft legislation amends the Act on the Organization of Aviation and Healthcare Services, opens medical flights to the private sector and international tenders, sets clear criteria, and the objective is to speed up assistance and save lives, end the state monopoly, and call on everyone to vote in favor of the bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks, briefly addresses his colleague Mart Helme, and asks for something.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme emphasized that Estonia urgently needs, through a state initiative, to quickly expand its helicopter fleet, establish a permanent medevac helicopter service and evacuation capability, and build helicopter bases across Estonia, because previous plans have fallen apart and the current solution is incomplete.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the negotiations have concluded; two amendments originating from the Economic Affairs Committee were submitted regarding the draft bill, and the lead committee requests full acceptance of both; consequently, the second reading is concluded, and with it, the second item on the agenda.