Third reading of the Bill amending the Food Act (378 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-15 18:08
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 4
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 7m
AI Summaries: 4/4 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The fourth item on the agenda concerned the third reading of Bill 378, initiated by the Government of the Republic, for the amendment of the Food Act. The introduction was presented by Evelin Poolamets, representative of the EKRE faction, who opened the discussions and requested time and space for debate. There was some slight commotion in the hall, but the presiding officer granted the time, and the debate forcefully took shape. Central to the bill was the addition of provisions amending the Food Act, which regulate the granting of permits for processing food with ionizing radiation and specify the authorizations given to laboratories, including the control of laboratories located in third countries. The question of whether and how to address prior irradiation activities was also discussed: Section 658 stipulates that for irradiations carried out before June 1, 2024, the permit requirement shall be deemed fulfilled. The debate also touched upon international and scientific perspectives on the dangers of irradiation, as well as public discussion on the topic of food irradiation. The EKRE faction expressed a critical stance towards the bill, did not support it, and emphasized the need for further debate and broader considerations. Finally, the leaders decided to conclude the discussions and proceed with preparations for the final vote, which will ultimately lead to the adoption of the bill.
Decisions Made 2
Proposing the conduct of the final vote, and organizing and concluding the preparations for submitting the matter to a final vote.
Bill 378 adopted as an Act (based on the results of the final vote: 61 in favor, 11 against, 2 abstentions).
Most Active Speaker
Speaker: a1RqRq2rgr4 — Representative of the EKRE faction. The speaker is positioned on the right (right-wing); they represented the opposition and the critical aspect of the negotiations, and emphasized the need for further discussion.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
We move on to the fourth item on the agenda, which is the third reading of Draft Act 378 on amendments to the Food Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. I open the debate, and on behalf of the EKRE faction, Evelin Poolamets requests a pause until the commotion in the chamber subsides.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The government-initiated bill amends the Food Act to specify the procedure for granting permits for food treated with ionizing radiation and to clarify the mandates of laboratories, by adding Section 658. This new section stipulates that the permit requirement is considered fulfilled for food irradiated before June 1, 2024. Although the explanatory memorandum addresses the associated risks, public debate is lacking, and the EKRE faction does not support the bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the debates, announced that the leading committee wishes to conduct the final vote on draft bill 378 and prepare it, and puts to the final vote draft act 378 on amendments to the Food Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, asking members to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu adopted Bill 378 as a law: 61 in favor, 11 against, and 2 abstentions.