SALARY, ALLOWANCES AND OTHER FACILITIES OF ESTONIAN MPS

Salary and compensation | Pensions | Other social guarantees

24 November 1998 /nr 249

Salary and compensation

The regulations concerning the remuneration of MPs were adopted in 1992. The salary of MP is tied to the average salary in Estonia. During the third quarter of 1998, the average monthly salary was 4011 EEK ($ 297).

A coefficient system has been implemented:

Speaker of Parliament 6 times average salary Deputy Speaker of Parliament 5,5 Chairman of Committee and Fraction 5 Deputy Chairman of Committee and Fraction 4,5 Member of Parliament 4

Besides the monthly salary, the MP also receives the representation compensation - 20% of the monthly salary.

The MPs are entitled to the daily allowance and accommodation costs if they reside outside of Tallinn.

The MPs are entitled to use all means of public transport free of charge on the territory of Estonia.

The MPs domestic and foreign accommodation and travelling expenses are reimbursed, and a daily allowance is provided.

The MPs are provided free postal and telecommunications services that are related to their duties as MPs .

The MPs are provided publications and official documents free of charge.

Analysing, information, and documentation facilities and services are offered to the MPs.

A training room and a sauna are available to the MPs free of charge.

The parliament restaurant, cafeteria, shop, a bank office and hairdresser are at the MPs disposal. For these services, the MPs have to pay themselves.

Pensions

There are three types of pensions:

a) old-age pension

b) disability pension

c) survivor's benefits pension

The old-age pension of the MPs is 75% of the salary. The MP is eligible for a pension at the age of 60 (male) and at 55 (female) on the condition that the MP has worked at least two continuous years in one composition of the Riigikogu under his/her mandate. At the present, a bill which proposes tighter pension restrictions is in proceedings.

The disability pension may be 70%, 60% or 30% of the MPs salary, according to the disability classification.

The survivor's benefit pension is 30% of the MPs salary per each family member incapable to work, but does not exceed the MP's monthly salary.

Other social guarantees

The MP's salary and the years of service as an MP will be maintained during the search for a new job or while in training for a new profession for the MP whose mandate has expired, but for no longer than 12 months.