Agenda Profile: Irja Lutsar
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Health Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (717 SE)
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
Supports the advancement of Draft Act 717 SE by presenting the consensus position of the Social Affairs Committee for the conclusion of the first reading. The political focus is heavily policy- and procedure-driven, concentrating on preventing system abuse and addressing the budgetary impact. The position is moderately supportive, as this is a committee report which highlights the positive effect of the draft act on the state budget (1.2 million euros).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Possesses in-depth knowledge of the specifics of social security and occupational health legislation, particularly the mechanisms for calculating sickness benefits and maternity benefits. Demonstrates authority in managing legislative procedures and accurately reporting on committee discussions. Uses technical terminology such as "zero-based budgeting project," "replacement income," and "enforcement proceedings."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The address is extremely formal, neutral, and procedural, providing a detailed overview of the committee's deliberation. The style is objective and grounded in facts, questions, and the responses of ministry experts, strictly avoiding emotional or personal appeals. Emphasis is placed on conveying the system's logic and the rationale for the changes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active in legislative committee work, acting as the representative of the Social Affairs Committee (the lead committee representative) during the first reading of Bill 717 SE. The work pattern has focused on documenting previous discussions (the committee session of September 30th) and presenting them to the plenary session.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
I am not expressing personal opposition, but merely reporting critical questions raised by other members. These questions concerned individuals who would lose pregnancy benefits and the social guarantees provided to non-working persons from third countries. The opposition was directed at the abuse of the system and the payment of double benefits, which the draft legislation seeks to resolve.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Highly collaborative and procedure-focused, emphasizing the committee's consensus decision regarding the further handling of the draft bill and the conclusion of the first reading. Serves as a mediator, transmitting the responses of the minister and experts to the questions posed by members of other parliamentary groups.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The text lacks a regional focus, concentrating instead on national social security and healthcare systems and their respective budgets. The international context (Ukrainian refugees, the example set by the Polish parliament) is mentioned only when citing or referencing the questions raised by other members.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports the reorganization of state finances and budget savings, emphasizing the positive impact on the state budget (1.2 million euros in 2026). It advocates for preventing system abuse, particularly concerning the over-reporting of wages to receive benefits, and ending the payment of double replacement income payments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Reports on discussions regarding the need to maintain social guarantees for war and political refugees, as well as the debate over restoring health insurance for stay-at-home mothers with many children. A central social issue is the standardization of benefits for pregnant women to prevent system abuse, which affects approximately 1,300 individuals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is Draft Bill 717 SE (Amendment to the Health Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act). The objectives are to terminate the payment of double benefits (unemployment insurance benefit plus sickness benefit) and to standardize the calculation of benefits for pregnant women based on data provided by the Tax and Customs Board. The speaker is a representative of the leading committee who proposes concluding the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed