In connection with assumption of office, Auditor General Mihkel Oviir took the oath of office before the Riigikogu today.

Then, members of the Government replied to the interpellations of Members of the Riigikogu.

The Minister of Agriculture Helir-Valdor Seeder replied to the interpellation concerning the implementation of the programme “Estonian Food”, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Ester Tuiksoo, Villu Reiljan, Tarmo Mänd, Karel Rüütli and Jaanus Marrandi. The interpellators wished to know, among other things, what the results of the programme had been so far, what the main objectives were for this year and to what extent the financing of the programme from the state budget was going to continue in following years. Seeder: “Speaking about results, it must be said that launching of the programme “Estonian Food” in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 has not stopped the process of decreased preference for domestic food products.” At the same time, Seeder pointed out the positive fact that undertakings and traders were willing to present domestic foodstuffs and saw it as a selling argument. According to the Minister of Agriculture, two main objectives of the development plan are securing sustainable development of the food sector and raising the awareness of consumers. This year, the main focus is on raising the awareness and informing of consumers. Information concerning food labels, labelling of packaging and food safety is provided to consumers. “The development plan “Estonian Food” is planned for three years. The previous Government approved the programme “Estonian Food” for the years 2006–2008 with the perspective of decreasing financing, 20 million kroons in 2006, 15 million in 2007 and 10 million in 2008,” Seeder noted.

Today, the Minister of Social Affairs Maret Maripuu and the Minister of Justice Rein Lang also replied to the interpellations of Members of the Riigikogu.

Maret Maripuu replied to the interpellation concerning availability of medical care in Saaremaa, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Vilja Savisaar, Marika Tuus, Heimar Lenk, Aivar Riisalu, Valeri Korb, Inara Luigas, Jaan Kundla, Enn Eesmaa, Nelli Privalova, Eldar Efendijev, Jüri Ratas, Toivo Tootsen, Kalle Laanet and Ain Seppik. The interpellators wished to know how the elimination of four duty districts of medical specialists affected availability of medical care.

Rein Lang replied to the interpellation concerning disclosing of information concerning preliminary investigation, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Mai Treial, Villu Reiljan, Tarmo Mänd and Ester Tuiksoo. Among other things, the interpellators asked what information and to what extent could be provided to the public during preliminary investigation with the permission of prosecutor and if rules had been established therefor within prosecutor’s offices.

During the open microphone, Aleksei Lotman spoke about the issue of Tibet, Silver Meikar spoke about human rights in the People’s Republic of China, and Igor Gräzin spoke about the Lisbon Treaty.

For more details, see the verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian):

The Riigikogu Press Service