December 16
The Riigikogu passed the following Acts and a Resolution:
The Resolution of the Riigikogu On the Extension of the Time Limit of the Use of the Estonian Defence Forces Units in Performance of International Duties of the Estonian State under the International Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (524 OE), submitted by the Government of the Republic, was passed with 68 votes in favour. The time limit of the use of the Estonian Defence Forces units under the peace-keeping mission in Kosovo was extended by one year beginning from 1 January 2005.
The Riigikogu passed with 60 votes in favour the Medicinal Products Act (360 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The Act regulates the handling of medicinal products, prescription of medications, issue of marketing authorisations, clinical trials of medicinal products, promotion of medicinal products as well as supervision over and liability for such activities with the aim of ensuring the safety, quality and efficiency of medicinal products used in Estonia and promote their purposeful use. The main objective for drafting the Medicinal Products Act was to bring Estonian legal system into conformity with major EU legislation concerning medicinal products.
The Riigikogu passed with 58 votes in favour (5 votes against) the Health Insurance Act and Estonian Health Insurance Fund Act Amendment Act (507 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The main purpose of the Act is to remove problems, which have appeared in the implementation of the Health Insurance Act, and to ensure a more purposeful use of the monetary means of the Health Insurance Fund. Upon entry into force of the Act, it will be possible to allocate the monetary means, which become available as a result of no more paying the travel expenses benefits and reduction of the reserve capital of the Health Insurance Fund, for making specialised medical care more accessible, shortening the waiting lists and establishing cost-oriented prices for medical services. The Act specifies the process for the conclusion of funding agreements for treatment. The Act also establishes a regulation for exemption from visit fees, which will hopefully improve the accessibility of medical care.
The Rescue Act, Chemicals Act, National Defence League Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Health Care Services Organisation Act Amendment Act (498 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Jaanus Rahumägi, Väino Linde and Tiit Mae, was passed with 67 votes in favour. Entry into force of the Act ensures the certainty of law in terms of the transfer of service years and holiday days to employees of the rescue services appointed to office as public servants. The Act removes problems, which have appeared in the course of making preparations for the reorganisation of the rescue services, and ensures the rescue services? fulfilment of duties in the sphere of fire safety.
The Business Code, Foundations Act, Non-profit Associations Act and Commercial Associations Act Amendment Act (469 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction, was passed with 69 votes in favour. The purpose of the Act is to ensure equal treatment to residents of the EU member states when starting business activities in Estonia.
The Research and Development Activities Act and the Study Allowances and Study Loans Act Amendment Act (504 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, was passed with 70 votes in favour. The main purpose of the Act is to improve the regulation concerning the financing of research and development activities. In the Study Allowances and Study Loans Act amendments have been made in the part that concerns Doctoral candidates. The aim of the amendment is to create conditions, which enable a person to dedicate oneself to studies and research activities, for Doctoral candidates who have not exceeded the nominal period of studies at student places formed on the basis of state commissioned education. This measure will hopefully enable to increase the number of persons who successfully finish their doctoral studies as well as to reduce the time spent on defending one?s doctoral thesis.
When the official part of the sitting was over, Father Christmas greeted the members of the Riigikogu. As he handed out the presents, he wished the Riigikogu strength and unanimity in creating new and fair laws.
The Riigikogu Press Service