Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-09-25
Political Position
The political focus is on streamlining the Social Welfare Act, particularly regulating specialized care services (day and weekly respite care) to ensure service quality and alleviate the burden on informal caregivers. Support for Draft Bill 421 is strong, and it is viewed as the necessary first step. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on the need for public transport reforms in rural areas, especially given the current budget cuts, to guarantee access to extracurricular activities. These positions are primarily policy-driven and results-oriented.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker is highly knowledgeable in the field of social welfare and special care services, providing detailed overviews concerning the content, procedure, and financial aspects of the draft legislation. Specific data is utilized (e.g., 209 service users, 80–90 people waiting in line), and references are made to specific sections of the law and relevant institutions (SKA, the Ministry of Social Affairs). The expertise covers the substance of the service, the target group (individuals with intellectual disabilities), and procedural details.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, comprehensive, and procedural, characteristic of a representative from the steering committee who is providing an overview of the legislative process. The speaker relies on logical arguments, factual evidence, and procedural details (including session dates, participants, and consensus decisions). The tone is neutral and objective, intended to convey information and ensure the seamless processing of the bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in legislative work, serving as a representative of the leading committee and providing an overview of the proceedings of two Social Affairs Committee meetings (September 10 and 23). The record shows regular participation in plenary sessions, both as a rapporteur and as a questioner. Earlier participation in the bill’s first reading in May is also noted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct political opposition is not expressed, but the concern of local governments (the Estonian Association of Cities and Municipalities) regarding the hidden financial burden associated with the new draft law is neutrally highlighted. The criticism is aimed primarily at the financial implications of the bill, rather than at political opponents, and the speaker attempts to clarify the points of concern.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is consensual and inclusive, emphasizing broad consultation with stakeholders (e.g., EPIK, ELVL) and ministries during the drafting of the legislation. The procedural decisions of the Social Affairs Committee were consensual, and the proposals made by partners (e.g., the Chamber of Disabled People) concerning the transition period were taken into account.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is mainly on national legislation, but emphasis is also placed on solving regional issues, such as changing residential addresses following the closure of large care homes. Specific attention is drawn to concerns regarding public transport and the accessibility of rural areas in the Viljandi region, particularly in the context of hobby schools.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints focus on the financing of social services and the distribution of costs among the state, local governments, and service recipients, aiming to ensure the quality of the service provided. Support is given to measures that help working-age family caregivers return to the labor market or take up part-time work, thus linking social policy with economic activity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on regulating and ensuring the quality of specialized care services (day and weekly respite care) for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Easing the burden on family caregivers and ensuring the flexibility of social services based on the specific need for assistance are also crucial. Furthermore, the question of public transport accessibility is being raised.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is Draft Bill 421 (the Act amending the Social Welfare Act and other acts). This bill regulates day and weekly care services and also amends the Population Register Act. The speaker, who represents the leading committee for the bill, supports its expedited passage, with the final vote scheduled for October 9th.
4 Speeches Analyzed