By Agendas: Eero Merilind

Total Agendas: 21

Fully Profiled: 21

2025-10-15
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Social Welfare Act and Other Acts (732 SE)

The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the specific details of social services, concentrating on the availability of remote interpretation and sign language interpretation services. This competence is evident in the desire to clarify the scope of application of these services, particularly within the context of a general practitioner's appointment.
2025-10-08
2025 Report by the Minister of Social Affairs on the Implementation of the National Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of social policy, public health, and healthcare financing. Specific data is utilized regarding life expectancy and health inequality (e.g., an 18-year gap based on educational attainment), as well as financial indicators concerning the reduction of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) deficit. This expertise is further evidenced by the mention of detailed development plans and legislation (e.g., Hospital Network Development Directions 2040, the new public health service law).
2025-04-23
Draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act (advance directive of a patient’s end-of-life will) – first reading (604 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The expert assessment focuses on the legal and procedural details of the Health Care Services Organization Act. The speaker is aware of the specifics of the patient's declaration of will, specifically asking about the possibilities for its renewal or revocation.
2024-12-03
Continuation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (427 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the provisions of the Child Protection Act (LasteKS) and the Penal Code (KarS), referring to specific sections (§ 20, § 145) and procedural deadlines (60 days). The expertise is strongly supported by legal sources, including an opinion from the law firm Ellex Raidla, which he personally commissioned to ensure the interpretation of the law. He consistently reiterates that the conviction for pedophilia is not subject to expungement and the prohibition on working with children is lifelong.
2024-11-14
Second reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act (pensioner support) (508 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates strong procedural and thematic expertise in the field of social welfare and care reform, acting as the rapporteur for the Social Affairs Committee on the s508 SE draft bill. He/She uses specific data (e.g., 65 million euros for the care reform, a cut of 1.35 million euros) and refers to thorough discussions and ministry explanations. The expertise also encompasses knowledge of local government practices regarding leaving pocket money (20–25% of the pension) for pensioners.
2024-11-11
Draft law amending the Act on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilisation (459 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in social policy and legislative procedures, referencing an extensive discussion held in the Social Affairs Committee. This expertise centers on defining complex ethical and legal concepts (such as "free will") within the context of abortion. He/She raises substantive questions regarding the actual underlying reasons for seeking an abortion.
2024-10-24
Draft law amending the Medicinal Products Act (501 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates proficiency in pharmaceutical supply chain management and hospital pharmacy logistics, utilizing terminology such as "direct sourcing," "active ingredients," and "supply difficulties." This expertise centers on the economic and logistical mechanisms that impact drug pricing and accessibility. Particular attention is given to streamlining inventory planning for pharmaceuticals and identifying alternative treatment solutions for rare diseases.
2024-10-24
Draft law amending the Medical Devices Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (granting competence to the Medicines Agency) (Bill 448 SE) – second reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of medical device regulation and administrative procedures. Specific terminology is employed, such as "administrative burden" and "data register," and references are made to specific legal sections and relevant authorities (the State Agency of Medicines and the Health Board). This expertise is grounded in extensive consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Health Board, and various professional associations.
2024-10-17
Draft law amending the Social Welfare Act (pension support) - first reading (508 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The expert assessment is clearly linked to social welfare legislation and the working procedures of the Riigikogu committee. Specific data is utilized, such as 6,700 affected individuals and a saving of 1.3 million euros. The speaker demonstrates authority when summarizing the committee's discussions and procedural decisions.
2024-10-10
Draft law amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (427 SE) – second reading

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth sitting, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding the work of the Social Affairs Committee and the details of Bill 427 SE, explaining, among other things, the establishment of a data exchange system and the transfer of parental support functions from the National Institute for Health Development to the Social Insurance Board. The expertise focuses on the practical implementation of the legislation and procedural decisions, also highlighting the substance of the proposed amendments.
2024-09-11
First Reading of the Bill to Amend the Anti-Corruption Act (442 SE)

Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session

The speaker showed interest in the technical details of the anti-corruption law, requesting clarification on the status of doctors (classified as "public officials") and the application of restrictions during medical treatment. This highlights a focus on where legal norms intersect with the healthcare sector.
2024-09-11
First Reading of the Draft Act (Bill 448 SE) on the Amendment of the Medical Devices Act and the Consequential Amendment of Other Acts (Granting Authority to the State Agency of Medicines)

Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in healthcare administration issues, focusing on the regulation of medical devices, the reallocation of budget and staffing requirements, and the implementation of the CE marking. Specific terminology is employed, such as "health information system data" and "national oversight." This expertise stems from summarizing the work of the Social Affairs Committee.
2024-07-22
Granting Authorization to Prime Ministerial Candidate Kristen Michal to Form the Government

15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu's extraordinary session.

The speaker demonstrates awareness of healthcare financial matters, focusing specifically on the health insurance budget. They cite the position of a board member of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) and reference a specific media outlet (Maaleht), which suggests the topic is being actively monitored.
2024-06-06
Proposal of the Chancellor of Justice for bringing the Code of Civil Procedure into conformity with the Constitution

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the financial aspects of civil litigation, addressing specific solutions such as exemption from the state fee and compensation through a fund. They also refer to the relevance of the Social Affairs Committee when discussing the topic, which indicates knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
2024-06-04
First Reading of the Bill for the Act Amending the Emergency Situation Act and Related Acts (426 SE)

15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates interest in the administrative details of healthcare, focusing on the distinction between family doctors (GPs) and health centers. Specific terminology (ETO) and numerical data (26) are used, which points to knowledge of the organization of primary healthcare and its role in the draft bill.
2024-05-02
Continuation of the first reading of the Bill on the Tax on Sweetened Beverages (418 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates considerable expertise in the fields of public health, medicine, and nutrition, citing scientific literature (The Lancet) and research conducted by the Health Development Institute. The speaker utilizes statistics on childhood obesity rates and, speaking as a physician, enumerates diseases associated with excessive sugar consumption, such as Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This expertise is further substantiated by the detailed presentation of international examples (Finland, the United Kingdom) and their outcomes.
2024-03-06
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Health Insurance Act and Consequently Amendments to Other Acts (Prevention of Incapacity for Work) (Bill 377 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker shows interest in the administrative details of healthcare, specifically inquiring about the complexity of applying for supplementary reimbursement for medicines and medical devices. The expertise is geared more toward procedural simplicity and implementation that is convenient for the citizen.
2024-01-25
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Atmospheric Air Protection Act (160 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of atmospheric physics and chemistry, detailing the formation mechanisms of contrails and blue snow (e.g., water vapor condensation, ice crystals, light scattering). Technical terminology is employed (e.g., carbon dioxide, solid particles, ice crystals), and reference is made to recent scientific articles concerning nanoparticles.
2024-01-23
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Medicines Act (Bill 162 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker is addressing the topic of public health, specifically the role of vaccines in disease prevention. There is no evidence of the speaker's personal technical expertise, as they request the presenter (Irja Lutsar) to confirm and underscore the viewpoint.
2024-01-23
Overview of the state of Research and Development and government policy in this field.

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The politician has expressed interest in the topic of R&D-intensive companies and foreign investments, focusing on the strategic questions of how to attract investments to Estonia. Specifically, the potential for developing the pharmaceutical industry (a drug manufacturing plant) is being emphasized.
2024-01-18
Debate on the National Issue of Crucial Importance: "Strong Rural Schools and a Strong School Network"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates an understanding of the connections between social sectors (education and health) and can draw parallels with past policy measures. In particular, specific reference is made to the initial support payments for nurses and doctors introduced last year to improve access to medical care in rural areas.