Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-01-29
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the processing of the draft amendment to the Social Benefits Act for Persons with Disabilities, focusing specifically on procedural clarity and implementation details (such as the deadline for IT development). Their position is predominantly policy-based and procedural, highlighting the committee’s consensus decisions required to move the bill forward. They emphasize the necessity of ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep expertise in social sector legislation and procedure, detailing the criteria for determining disability, the role of local governments, and the technical problems of information systems (STAR). He/She accurately conveys the explanations provided by the minister and officials regarding IT costs, the effective date, and validated assessment instruments. The expertise is aimed at clarifying the content of the draft legislation and the technical issues related to its implementation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, objective, and procedural, characteristic of a representative of the steering committee providing an overview of the work completed. The address is logical and detailed, focusing on the neutral conveyance of the committee's discussion, the questions posed, and the minister's responses. He avoids emotional appeals but refers to specific cases of concern raised by other colleagues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was actively involved in the work of the Committee of Social Affairs, participating in the debate on the draft legislation on January 20th and presenting the committee's consensus position to the plenary session on January 29th. Their pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on legislative committee work and the subsequent reporting of its outcomes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and open, emphasizing that the committee's decisions regarding the further processing of the draft were made unanimously. He/She neutrally relays the concerns and questions raised by other colleagues (e.g., Kert Kingo, Riina Solman), demonstrating an openness to considering various viewpoints. He/She works closely with officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs, conveying their explanations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on the role of local governments in assessing disability and the need for assistance, emphasizing the necessity of clarification efforts and auditing within municipal procedures. He/She notes that local governments are autonomous in their decisions, but the majority still assesses the actual need for assistance. There is no specific regional focus; the topic is nationwide.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are limited to the topic of administrative costs and financing within the social sector. He/She notes the cost of IT developments in 2027 (12,000 euros) and the state’s strategic partnership funding allocated to the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People for providing legal advice. The focus is on the expenditures associated with preparing for increases in social benefits.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus centers on improving the social support system for people with disabilities, emphasizing the necessity of assessing actual need for assistance, rather than basing eligibility solely on diagnoses. It also raises concerns regarding the evaluation of the work performed by disability assessment officials and the accessibility of legal counseling. The objective is to ensure the fair and seamless implementation of social benefits.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is Bill 561, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Social Benefits for Disabled Persons Act. The speaker supports the bill and is leading its proceedings, ensuring its advancement in the plenary session by proposing the conclusion of the first reading. He/She will focus on clarifying the technical details regarding the law's effective date and the associated IT developments.
1 Speeches Analyzed