Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Inquiry regarding the cessation of funding for the school psychologists’ advisory line 1226 (no. 683)
2025-02-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Supports the continued funding of the school psychologists' helpline 1226 and emphasizes the vital importance of this service for young people, parents, and educators. He/She is critical of the government's current budgetary conduct and stresses the need for adequate financing and a future action plan. The position is strongly oriented towards pushing for the necessary funding and ensuring the continuation of the service.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
It cites expert opinions (the Estonian Association of School Psychologists, psychologists at Tartu University Hospital) and highlights examples: a cost of 30,000 euros, the importance of initial intervention, increased need, and shortcomings in service availability, including the necessity for Russian- and Ukrainian-language assistance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
An official tone, grounded in facts and expert assessments; utilizes enumeration and specific examples; frames proposals and questions in the language of collective responsibility, and adds emotional emphasis to the critical importance of the service.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The event, which took place on 17.02.2025 during the same period: two separate addresses in the Riigikogu in the context of an interpellation and the minister's response; it refers to several colleagues and seeks answers and a further action plan from the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A critique of government funding decisions and related communications; it emphasizes that the allocated funding is insufficient and the notifications provided are inadequate. While the style is critical, the ultimate goal is directed toward the preservation and improvement of the service.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Demonstrates a collaborative approach: mentions several Riigikogu members (Laats, Belobrovtsev, Jevgrafov, Arhipov, Kovalenko-Kõlvart) and jointly seeks answers and a future action plan from the minister; emphasizes the need to find common solutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A topic addressed at the national/state level; there is no specific regional focus; it refers to Estonia's broader system and state-level involvement, and generally refers to the Estonian issue overall.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports funding with a reasonable allocation (referencing €30,000) and criticizes that the budget presentation is insufficient or the utilization is ineffective; it is noted that costs are low, but achieving success requires improved funding and awareness/communication systems (the failure to meet objectives is mentioned in the context of €55,000).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main topics are the availability and quality of mental health services, accessibility (free, anonymous help), rapid intervention in primary care, and linguistic inclusion (Russian and Ukrainian language assistance) — all of which are crucial components of the well-being of youth and families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is placed on Inquiry No. 683 and the associated funding matter. The Minister is required to provide answers and an immediate action plan to ensure the helpline is operational or an alternative solution is provided. The necessity of legislative measures and accountability is stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed