Today – the Day of Mourning – the Riigikogu started the sitting with a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of the June 1941 deportation.

 

Minister of Economy and Communication Juhan Parts replied to the interpellation concerning the impact of emigration of labour force on Estonian economy, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Olga Sõtnik, Evelyn Sepp, Lauri Laasi, Kadri Simson, Ain Seppik and Lembit Kaljuvee on 10 May (No 444).

 

According to Parts, studies have shown that the emigration flows and predicted migration flows have remained too low to significantly influence unemployment or salary level in Estonia. The impact of labour force emigration varies according to whether it is temporary or permanent, with the intention of remaining abroad. “A positive impact of the temporary emigration of labour force is definitely improved skills and know-how of the Estonian workers, as well as the consequent money flows to Estonia. Permanent emigration mostly has a negative impact. This is where the possible brain drain, reduced productivity and waste of state investment into education become issues,” explained Parts.

 

The Minister referred to a project which should entice back people who have left Estonia for various reasons. The Talents Home! project counts the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry among its initiators. The project is funded from the Smart Decisions Fund and concentrates on Estonian students who have left to study in foreign universities on long term programmes, as well as on Estonian citizens who have acquired considerable work experience abroad. As an example, Parts pointed to the development centres programme that has brought a great number of Estonian students, but also post graduate level scientists, back to Estonia. “Creation of such jobs as well as promoting the creation of such jobs by the government in cooperation with entrepreneurs and universities is definitely one of the most important roads to take,” Parts commented.

 

Minister of Regional Affairs Siim Valmar Kiisler replied to the interpellation concerning the member of the Nõva Rural Municipality Council who had failed to receive support from voters, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Vladimir Velman, Lauri Laasi, Kadri Simson, Tiit Kuusmik, Lembit Kaljuvee, Enn Eesmaa, Evelyn Sepp, Ain Seppik and Rein Ratas on 19 May (No 453).

 

Minister of Economy and Communication Juhan Parts did not have to reply to the interpellation concerning the right to drive tractors, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Ester Tuiksoo, Jaanus Marrandi, Mai Treial, Villu Reiljan and Karel Rüütli on 3 May, because the interpellators withdrew it.

 

During the open microphone, Helle Kalda, Marika Tuus and Heimar Lenk took the floor.

 

The Riigikogu Press Service