Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Draft law amending the Act on Social Support for People with Disabilities and amending other acts related thereto (561 SE) - first reading
2025-01-29
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is procedural and supportive, centered on moving forward the draft bill (561 SE) to amend the Social Benefits Act for Persons with Disabilities. It highlights concerns raised during the committee hearings, specifically regarding the timeline for IT development and the standardization of disability assessments, ensuring that the Minister’s explanations are formally documented. The overall stance is moderately supportive, focusing on guaranteeing effective policy implementation and administrative capability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise regarding the social sector and benefits for people with disabilities, detailing the criteria for identifying disability, the role of local governments, and issues related to the STAR IT system. They utilize specific terminology (e.g., validated assessment instrument, STAR) and reference the sheer volume of the explanatory memorandum and the coordination table.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, concentrating on the objective transmission of the Social Affairs Committee's discussions and decisions. The address is structured as a logical summary of facts, questions, and the minister's responses, avoiding emotional appeals while highlighting specific case-by-case examples (an amputated leg, a woman suffering from cancer).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action involves appearing as the representative of the leading committee at the Riigikogu plenary session (on January 29th), where he/she presents the work and consensus decisions of the Social Affairs Committee. He/She also refers to participating in the committee discussion on January 20th and communicating with the Minister of Social Protection and a ministry official.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker does not express direct opposition, as they are the rapporteur. However, criticism from other committee members (Kingo, Solman) is documented regarding the Social Insurance Board's practice of determining disability and the state's legal advantage over organizations representing people with disabilities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and institutional, emphasizing that the Social Affairs Committee's decisions regarding the progression of the draft legislation were made consensually. Cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs is also demonstrated by conveying the explanations of the minister and officials concerning the harmonization of IT developments and practices.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards the role of local authorities in assessing disabilities and providing social assistance. Emphasis is placed on the need for outreach and clarification so that local governments evaluate the actual need for support, rather than just the severity level of the disability, even though these authorities maintain autonomy in their decision-making.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views focus on the transparency and financing of the costs related to the IT development of the social benefits system. Specific costs are mentioned (12,000 euros in 2027), as well as state support for organizations representing people with disabilities through a strategic partnership for providing legal advice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social topic is the reform of the social benefits system for people with disabilities, highlighting the necessity of assessing the need for support on a case-by-case basis, instead of relying solely on diagnoses. The evaluation of the work performed by officials who determine disability status is also being raised, along with the availability of legal counseling for disability organizations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting and procedurally advancing Government Bill 561 SE (Act amending the Social Benefits for Disabled Persons Act). The objective is to complete the first reading, set the deadline for submitting amendments, and ensure the smooth entry into force of the Act on February 1, 2027, due to required IT developments.
1 Speeches Analyzed