The Act on Amendments to the Social Welfare Act (124 SE), initiated by the Government, which provides that not only holders of a child care certificate but also other persons who have the knowledge and skills suitable therefor are allowed to work as a childcarer, was passed with 83 votes in favour. An amendment has been added to the Act which enables to appoint both a caregiver and a guardian to a person, as necessary. Today’s regulation does not allow appointing a caregiver to a person who at the same time also needs a guardian. Determination of the suitability of a person as a guardian or caregiver remains within the competence of the court and local governments.

 

The Act on Amendments to the Public Transport Act and the State Fees Act (115 SE), initiated by the Government, which provides the amendments concerning common rules for access to the international market for coach and bus services arising from the relevant Regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council, was passed with 85 votes in favour. “A public transport licence” is replaced by “a Community licence”. Under the Act which is currently in force, a licence card is a document necessary upon both carriage by bus and taxi service. According to the amendment, a licence card will be used only upon taxi service; upon carriage by bus, it will be replaced by a certified copy of a Community licence.

 

The Act on Amendments to Legislation relating to Membership in International Monetary Fund (132 SE), initiated by the Government, which transfers the proprietary obligations of the Republic of Estonia assumed with membership in the IMF (International Monetary Fund) to Eesti Pank, was passed with 85 votes in favour. It also specifies the rights and duties of Eesti Pank in representing the Republic of Estonia in the IMF.

 

The Resolution of the Riigikogu “Grant of Consent to Increasing the Quota of the Republic of Estonia in the International Monetary Fund” (133 OE), submitted by the Government, which grants consent to the payment of the contribution for increasing Estonia’s quota and authorises Eesti Pank to perform the acts necessary to increase the holding, was passed with 83 votes in favour.

 

At the end of the sitting, the Riigikogu got a visit from Santa Clause, who gave humorous gifts to the political parties represented in the Riigikogu, and reproached but also praised them. Santa Clause wished everyone good holiday spirit and a happy new year.

 

Photos of Santa Claus in the Riigikogu are available here:

 

The Riigikogu Press Service