Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
The second reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act and other laws (special care services and change of address) (421 SE)
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the amendments to the Social Welfare Act, stressing the need to streamline day and weekly care services that have been unregulated until now. The framing of the draft bill is clearly policy-driven, focusing on ensuring the uniform and high-quality provision of the service and supporting informal caregivers. The speaker emphasizes that this draft bill is only the first step in organizing the special welfare system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of social welfare legislation and the organization of specialized care services, utilizing specific terminology and references to relevant laws. The presentation is supported by concrete data, such as the number of people waiting in the service queue (80–90 individuals), the cost of the service (1,648 euros for persons with extreme support needs), and the minimum service usage requirement (10 days/nights per month). He/She explains in detail the content of the service, the target group, and the corresponding amendments in other acts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, substantive, and procedural, typical of a leading committee's report to the plenary session. The speaker uses logical arguments and fact-based information, thoroughly detailing the procedural process, consultations, and the committee's consensus decisions. The overall tone is optimistic regarding the necessity of the legislative amendment, but it also acknowledges the concerns of interest groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activity patterns demonstrate active involvement in the legislative process, providing an overview of two sittings of the Social Affairs Committee (September 10 and 23) and extensive consultation with stakeholders. The speaker acts as the representative of the lead committee, providing Parliament with a regular and detailed report on the progress of the proceedings. All procedural decisions were made by consensus, including the proposal to hold the final vote on October 9.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation, but the speaker critically addresses the concern raised by the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities (ELVL) regarding the imposition of hidden obligations on local governments. The ELVL sees a risk that the state's financial situation could influence the referral decisions made by the Social Insurance Board, thereby leaving local authorities to cover service costs that the state itself does not fund. The speaker acknowledges this concern but stresses the necessity of regulation to resolve the current situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The format of cooperation is open and inclusive, emphasizing broad consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Social Insurance Board, and five key interest groups (including EPIK and ELVL). The speaker noted that there was internal committee consensus on the procedural decisions of the draft bill ("a consensus decision"), which points to successful cross-party cooperation. In cooperation with EPIK, a six-month adaptation period was added for the use of the service.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus addresses the impact of national regulation on local governments, particularly concerning the obligation to cover premises costs. Also under consideration is the amendment of the Population Register Act, which is necessary to rectify the residential addresses of 445 recipients of special care services following the closure of large care homes (e.g., Sõmera), as these individuals are now dispersed across Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views center on the more effective allocation of social sector resources and the economic gain achieved when family caregivers return to the labor market. The discussion covers how the service cost is divided between the state, the local municipality (covering premises costs), and the service recipient (15% of income plus the cost of food). While the concern of local governments regarding increased expenditure is acknowledged, reference is made to the simultaneous expansion of the municipalities' revenue base.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue concerns improving the accessibility and quality of specialized welfare services (day and weekly respite care) for individuals with moderate, severe, and profound intellectual disabilities. The objective is to mitigate the significant need for care and supervision and ease the burden on family caregivers, thereby enabling them to return to the labor market.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on adopting Bill 421 SE, which regulates specialized social welfare services and amends the Population Register Act. The speaker supports the bill and is responsible for its handling, stressing that the law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, with the exception of the provisions relating to register entries. Furthermore, the need for clearer wording is mentioned regarding Section 89 of the Social Welfare Act, which addresses facility costs.
3 Speeches Analyzed