The purpose of Press and Information Department is to inform the public of the activities of the Riigikogu.  The department has two divisions, press service and information service.

In communication and sharing of information Riigikogu is an open, active and friendly dialogue partner. The provision of information by the Riigikogu is constant and systematic and keeps in mind the needs of different target groups.

PRESS SERVICE
The main task of press service is to inform the public through mass media of the activities of the Riigikogu. The head of the press service is Aivar Jarne.

Press secretaries of the service Margit Liivoja and Gunnar Paal prepare press releases about the Riigikogu sessions, work of the committees and meetings, and provide preliminary information about the activities of the Riigikogu.

Press secretaries accredit journalists to the Riigikogu sessions, observe the progress of the sessions, and give explanations and additional information to correspondents when needed; arrange meetings of journalists with members of the Riigikogu, representatives of committees and the Chancellery, and organise press conferences if necessary. Work of the Riigikogu  delegations in international parliamentary organisations and the activities of parliamentary groups and associations are reported according to their proposals. 

The task of Press and Information Adviser Ülo Mattheus is giving information about the work of the Riigikogu committees.

INFORMATION SERVICE
Information Service is in charge of the public relations of the Riigikogu and its Chancellery and coordinates the flow of internal information.

Head of Information Service Illi-Malle Ong deals with the implementation and development of principles relating to the reputation of the Riigikogu. Of larger projects, the annual Riigikogu Open House could be mentioned, the Riigikogu also introduces its activities at the Youth Information Fair “Teeviit” etc.

Information Adviser Helle Ruusing prepares and updates the information materials for the guests of the Riigikogu on the parliament’s work, structure, history etc., organises exhibitions on different subjects, helps to carry out, in cooperation with the Riigikogu board and factions, the Riigikogu information days in counties and institutions and as editor-in-chief is also responsible for the publication of biannual journal Riigikogu Toimetised.

Consultants Viivika Okspuu and Archibald-Stiwan Kald introduce the work of the parliament and give a survey of the history of the Riigikogu and Toompea castle to the individuals and tour groups visiting the Riigikogu. Guided tours are conducted in Estonian, Russian and English. Every year around 20,000 persons from Estonia and abroad come to visit the parliament.

Consultant Maria Laatspera coordinates the use of the Riigikogu Conference Hall.


INFORMATION CENTRE
Information Centre gives the public information about Riigikogu’s work and functions and the legislation, with the aim of making the activities of the Riigikogu more understandable to the public. All who are interested have free access to the Information Centre.

The questions are answered personally on the spot, and also by telephone, e-mail and fax. Information Advisers Helin Noor, Merje Meisalu  and Tõnu Kaljumäe provide information to the public. Helin and Merje also update the Riigikogu web page and are in charge of internal communication.