Agenda Profile: Signe Riisalo
Second reading of the draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, as well as amending the Act on Support for Working Capacity (604 SE)
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for the swift adoption of Bill 604 SE, which encompasses both the regulation of end-of-life declarations and technical amendments concerning the payment of work ability support. A policy-based approach is being emphasized to ensure that individuals with reduced work capacity can access these benefits in a timely manner before the summer recess. The speaker acknowledges that combining these issues into a single draft bill is not ideal practice, but considers it necessary due to the need for expediency.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the social and healthcare sectors, detailing the processes involved in counseling for end-of-life declarations and the technical nuances of administering work ability support payments. Technical terminology is employed (e.g., assessment of decision-making capacity, palliative care, implementing provisions), and reference is made to established practice (the Law of Obligations Act) and specialized guidelines. Specific emphasis is placed on the complexity of assessing the decision-making capacity of individuals with disabilities.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The language used is formal, detailed, and procedural, characteristic of a commission rapporteur providing an overview of the legislative process. The emphasis is on a logical and fact-based presentation, referencing deadlines, the engagement process (25 parties), and consensus decisions. The speaker uses apologies (Oops, sorry!) and candidly acknowledges the unusual nature of the draft bill's procedure.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is closely linked to the legislative process, demonstrating active participation in committee sessions (May 20, June 2, June 9) and management of the bill's timeline. The speaker is directing the proceedings with the aim of bringing the bill to a final vote on June 18, before the summer recess.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct confrontation is expressed, but the amendments proposed by the Centre Party faction are addressed, such as raising the age limit for the end-of-life declaration of intent from 18 years to 21 years. Furthermore, the criticism raised by committee member Helmen Kütt regarding the practice of drafting the bill, where various topics have been combined, is also acknowledged.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is highly inclusive and consensual, emphasizing the involvement of 25 stakeholders in the discussions, including the Health Insurance Fund, the Chamber of People with Disabilities, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. The committee's procedural decisions, including the proposal to conclude the second reading, were adopted by consensus.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing nationwide social and healthcare organization issues, such as the provisions for work ability allowance and the regulation of advance directives (end-of-life declarations). The funding of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) and the proposals of the Association of Primary Healthcare Centers are mentioned, which point to national service organization.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on protecting social benefits and ensuring their timely distribution, supporting income protection for individuals with reduced work capacity to prevent cuts to the work ability allowance. Support is also given to the proposal by the Association of Primary Healthcare Centers that counseling regarding advance directives (end-of-life wishes) should be a separately funded service provided by the Health Insurance Fund.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sector focuses on preparing for a dignified end of life and ensuring the rights of people with special needs and limited legal capacity. Important topics include the assessment of decision-making capacity and the availability of palliative care and social sector support. The complexity of digital inclusion for pensioners is also emphasized.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on processing the draft amendment to the Health Services Organization Act (Bill 604 SE). This bill addresses end-of-life declarations of will and aims to improve the implementing provisions for work ability support. The speaker is both a proponent of the bill and the leader of its proceedings, emphasizing the consensual approach taken during the process and the overarching goal of enhancing citizen protection.
5 Speeches Analyzed