Agenda Profile: Irja Lutsar
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 speaker strongly supports the amendment of the Social Benefits for Disabled Persons Act (Bill 561 SE), noting that it is, in fact, overdue. The political stance is policy-driven, focusing on correcting definitions (changing the age from 16 to 18) and aligning them with international standards. It is emphasized that this amendment will ease the emotional and financial burden currently borne by families raising children with disabilities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge concerning the age thresholds and international definitions used when classifying children with disabilities as adults. Technical awareness regarding the costs of implementing the law is specifically highlighted, emphasizing the unusually low IT costs (€12,000) as a positive example compared to the typical expenses that run into the millions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is positive, supportive, and constructive, expressing satisfaction with the content of the draft law and especially the low implementation costs. The argumentation is primarily logical and fact-based, relying on definitions and a comparison of the social burden, while maintaining the tone of an official parliamentary speech.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their previous experience on the Social Affairs Committee, where they have become accustomed to hearing about large IT expenditures, which suggests regular participation in the committee's work. Other activity patterns or the frequency of their attendance are not clear.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no specific opposition, as the speaker fully supports the bill. The criticism is indirectly aimed at previous legislative practices where IT costs have been unreasonably high, but specific opponents or groups being criticized are not named.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a willingness to cooperate by calling on other members of Parliament to support the bill. The minister's explanations are also referenced positively, indicating cooperation with the government and its coalition partners.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national social policy and the harmonization of laws concerning people with disabilities across Estonia. There is no regional or international focus, apart from a reference to international definitions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus primarily on cost-effectiveness when implementing legislation. The speaker praises the low IT costs (12,000 euros) as a positive example that should inspire future legislative processes, emphasizing fiscal responsibility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme revolves around supporting children with disabilities and their families, and extending the accessibility of social services until the age of 18. It is recognized that when a child with a disability reaches adulthood, this transition places a significant emotional and economic burden on the family.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the amendment of the Social Benefits for Disabled Persons Act (561 SE) to raise the age limit to 18, a measure which we strongly support. Furthermore, the necessity of setting a positive example for future legislation regarding low IT costs is also highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed