The Riigikogu passed with 84 votes in favour the Permanently Populated Small Islands Act, State Public Servants Official Titles and Salary Scale Act Amendment Act (1081 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Imre Sooäär, Avo Üprus, Trivimi Velliste, Jüri Saar and Mark Soosaar. The Act stipulates the aims of the state and local governments in managing small islands and provides for the office of island keeper. Pursuant to the present Act, small islands with permanent habitation are Abruka, Kihnu, Kessulaid, Kõinastu, Manija, Osmussaar, Piirissaar, Prangli, Ruhnu, Vilsandi and Vormsi. The Act enters into force on 1 January 2008. Nobody voted against the Act and nobody abstained.

The Riigikogu passed with 70 votes in favour the Healthcare Services Organisation Act and Estonian Health Insurance Fund Act Amendment Act (1093 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction and Estonian People’s Union Faction. The amendments to the Act concern the funding of capital expenditure of healthcare services from the state budget pursuant to the procedure and conditions established by the Government of the Republic. The amendments to the Estonian Health Insurance Fund Act allow to make use of the retained profits of the previous periods in the amount of up to 30 percent, but not more than 7 percent of healthcare services expenditure provided for in the budget of the Health Insurance fund in the last calendar year. The Act enters into force on 1 January 2008. Nobody voted against the Act and nobody abstained.

The Riigikogu passed with 80 votes in favour the Parental Benefits Act Amendment Act (1085 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The purpose of the amendments to the Act is to contribute to the better understanding and uniform application of the payment of parental benefits. The present Act, as compared to the Act in force, ensures a more favourable treatment of persons who, during their pregnancy, have been transferred to easier work; persons who receive income subject to social tax during the payment of benefit; persons who commence work after their right to benefit has ended and get remuneration in the same calendar month; and persons whose benefit will be smaller than the minimum wage in connection with the increase in minimum wage next year. This Act enters into force on 1 September 2007. Nobody voted against the Act and nobody abstained.

The Riigikogu Press Service