Minister Pomerants explained that the ministry intended to address issues of fundamental importance for the health and future of the people, first among them being the welfare of families with children and the so-called "motherhood salary", followed by students' allowances and poverty alleviation programmes.
As noted by President Rüütel, it was necessary and possible to tackle many issues in combination with measures implemented in other areas. The Head of State said that, for instance, delivering free school meals and state financing of out-of-school education could curb both the school drop-out rates and youth crime. In addition, he recommended to consider possibilities of redemption of education loans, provided a child had been born into the student family concerned, and also possibilities to give young families building plots free of charge.
Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 28, 2003
