Agenda Profile: Signe Riisalo
Draft law amending the Act on Social Support for People with Disabilities and amending other acts in connection therewith (561 SE) – Second Reading
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on improving social services and specialized care for people with disabilities, which is viewed as an indicator of a society's level of development. The speaker strongly supports Draft Act 561 SE, emphasizing the necessity of directing the released resources toward services provided to children. The approach is policy-driven, concentrating on specific budgetary amendments and structural transitions within services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of special welfare services, inclusive education, and support services for children with disabilities. Specific data (e.g., a 15% budget increase in 2023) and technical terminology are utilized to explain the logic behind service financing (Health Insurance Fund, European Social Fund) and private sector involvement. Particular emphasis is placed on the transition challenges from the education system to the adult services system.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is constructive, appreciative, and substantive, beginning with a sincere expression of thanks to colleagues. The tone is balanced, combining emotional values (such as caring and the level of societal development) with logical arguments and concrete political details. It is stressed that the concerns are significant, but solutions are being sought through cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct political opposition is not the target of criticism; instead, the focus is on systemic challenges. Specifically, attention is drawn to the regrettable fact that local authorities allocate varying levels of resources for social services, which complicates access to these services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is highly collaborative, thanking colleagues on the Social Affairs Committee and expressing hope for continued cooperation with ministry experts. The necessity of finding flexible and better solutions for managing waiting lists through collaboration is emphasized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, addressing the issues of service provision and financing between the state and local authorities. Local examples (Maarja Village, Haraka Home) are utilized solely to illustrate the role of the private sector, rather than to highlight a regional policy focus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports increasing public sector spending in the social sector, citing the 15% increase in the special care budget in 2023 as an example. Considers the integration of the private sector, innovation, and technology into the social sector a key issue, noting the private sector's significant involvement in general welfare services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the accessibility and quality of social services for people with disabilities, particularly children and young people with mental health disorders. Emphasis is placed on societal responsibility and the need to ensure a smooth transition from the education system to adult services so that the development of young people is not hindered.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is supporting Bill 561 SE, which aims to redirect resources freed up from the previous logic of benefit payments into services provided for children. Also considered important are the flexible management of waiting lists for special welfare services and improving the regulation concerning the transition age for young people.
1 Speeches Analyzed