Main objectives of security policy were discussed in Riigikogu
Today, the Minister of Internal Affairs Marko Pomerants presented to the Riigikogu the report on the situation of the maintenance of law and order in the state and the realisation of the main objectives of security policy on the basis of the implementation of the internal security development plan. When comparing the previous year with 2008, Pomerants noted that, in 2009, 2618 (5.8%) less criminal offences were registered, less manslaughters and murders were committed (2009 – 76; 2008 – 86), the number of offences against the person decreased by 13% and aggravated breach of public order fell by 38%. He highlighted the reduction in the number of people who died in traffic accidents and the reduction in the number of intoxicated drivers. Also, there were 1631 less fires in 2009 than in 2008.
In the words of the Minister of Internal Affairs, the last year’s results in the internal security area were good but he sees possibilities for improving the security policy. He mentioned the creation of the Police and Border Guard Administration, launching of the Master’s programme in internal security at the Estonian Public Service Academy, as well as passing of the new Emergency Bill. Involving of volunteers continues to be seen as an important resource in ensuring security. In the development of internal security, more attention is paid to frontier regions and to Ida-Virumaa, in particular. A new Rescue Bill and a new Fire Safety Bill have been prepared.
The Minister also spoke about the problems relating to illegal migration, illicit trafficking and computer-related fraud.
“The underlying vision and purpose of the security policy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is to reduce the number of accidents involving deaths or injuries. Also, safer living environment and greater security. The bases of security policy lead us to make efforts that the security of all members of the society would be secured through cooperation of the public, private and non-profit associations’ sector. In ensuring security, risk prevention has to be the prevailing attitude,” asserted the Minister.
On behalf of factions, comments were presented by Kalle Laanet, Aleksei Lotman, Robert Antropov and Jaanus Marrandi.
The Riigikogu passed with 42 votes in favour the Act on Ratification of the Agreement on Amendments to the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Czech Republic for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments and on Termination thereof (660 SE), initiated by the Government. The agreement which was signed in 1994 is terminated because Estonia and the Czech Republic have acceded to the European Union (EU). The agreement is terminated with the aim to ensure that all investors from all EU Member States are accorded equal treatment based on EU legislation. Nobody voted against the Act and nobody abstained.
The Resolution on amendments to the Resolution on appointment of members of the Supervisory Board of the Estonian Development Fund (687 OE), submitted by the Economic Affairs Committee, was passed with 39 votes in favour. According to the Resolution, Urmas Klaas was appointed a member of the Supervisory Board of the Estonian Development Fund instead of Jürgen Ligi. Nobody voted against the Resolution, one member of the Riigikogu abstained.
On the motion of the Economic Affairs Committee, the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Customs Act and the Value Added Tax Act (645 SE), initiated by the Government, was concluded.The planned amendments bring the Customs Act into conformity with the amendments concerning submission of the summary declaration made to the Community Customs Code and implementing provisions thereof, extend the competence of the customs with regard to controls of cash and establish a basis for time-sensitive goods to cross the border in priority queue. Also, several amendments concerning technical norms and wording are made.The Bill was sent to the third reading.
On the motion of the Social Affairs Committee, the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Social Welfare Act (659 SE), initiated by the Government, was concluded. The objective the Bill is to clearly regulate the fire safety requirements for the premises where childcare service is provided and to thereby ensure the safety of the children staying there. According to the Bill, fire safety requirements similar to those of pre-school child care institutions apply for the premises where childcare service is provided (in the case when the childcare service is provided for more than ten children). The Bill was sent to the third reading.
For more details, read the verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian):
The Riigikogu Press Service
