17 September 2009
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, pursuant to Articles 187 and 190 of the Seimas Statute, resolves to elect MP Irena Degutienë to the Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. Seimas Resolution on the Election of Irena Degutienë to the Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania was adopted (draft No. XIP-1089). Voting results: for – 87, against – 48.
The head of the voting group announced the following voting results: distributed ballot papers – 135; found ballot papers –135; valid ballot papers – 135; invalid ballot papers – 0.
Pursuant to Article 218 of the Seimas Statute, a decision regarding the dismissal of Seimas officers or heads of State institutions shall be adopted by majority vote of more than a half of all Seimas members.
Deputy Speaker of the Seimas Česlovas Vytautas Stankevičius, on behalf of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrat Political Group, presented MP Irena Degutienë as a candidate to the Seimas Speaker. 49 MPs signed the statement whereby MP Irena Degutienë was proposed the candidate to the post of Speaker of the Seimas.
After the candidate to the post of Speaker of the Seimas made an introductory speech and answered the questions of MPs, a discussion was held during which MPs and representatives of political parties presented their position regarding candidate’s suitability for this post.
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Irena Degutienë was elected member of the Seimas in the Naujamiesčio constituency No. 1. as a member of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats.
Born in Điauliai on 1 June 1949.
From 1956 studied in Druskininkai secondary school No. 1 (presently – “Atgimimo“ secondary school), graduated in 1967.
In 1968 entered the Medicine Faculty of Vilnius State University (presently – Vilnius University); in 1974 graduated from the university and acquired medical doctor’s profession.
In 1967–1968 worked at the Druskininkai branch of the Kaunas Art Factory.
In 1974–1976 worked at the Alytus Cotton Plant as doctor therapist.
In 1976–1994 worked at Vilnius University Red Cross Hospital and assumed various positions: anaesthetist reanimathologist, head of the Gastroenterology Unit, Deputy Head Doctor, and Head Doctor.
In 1994–1996 – Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health.
In 1996–2000 – Member of the Seimas, elected according to the list of the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Conservatives). Worked in the Committee on Social Affairs and Labour at the Seimas.
In 1996–2000 – Minister of Social Security and Labour of the eighth (XXIX), ninth (XXX) and tenth (XXXI) Government.
In May-June and October-November 1999 was acting Prime Minister (after the eighth (XXIX) and ninth (XXX) Governments had resigned).
In 2000–2004 – Member of the Seimas, elected from the list of the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Conservatives). Was Deputy Chairwoman of the Seimas Committee on Social Affairs and Labour.
In 2004–2008 – Member of the Seimas, elected in the Naujamiesčio constituency No. 1. as a member of the Homeland Union( Conservatives, Political Prisoners and Deportees, Christian Democrats). Worked at the Seimas Committee on Social Affairs and Labour. In 2005–2008 – Elder of the Homeland Union Political Group.
From 1994 – member of the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Conservatives) (presently – the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats). Deputy Chairwoman of this party, member of the presidium.
In 1997 was awarded the title of Person of the Year in the sphere of medicine and social security. Actively participates in public life, is concerned about social and health protection problems, communicates and cooperates with various public organisations, in particular with those working in the spheres of strengthening the family and protection of children rights.
Interests – music, cycling, art.
Speaks English, Polish and Russian.
Husband Gediminas Degutis – doctor of medicine, orthopaedist-traumatologist, director of public institution Centre Branch of Vilnius University Hospital Santariđkiř Clinics.
Has two children. Daughter Silvija Balčiűnienë – lawyer. Son Gediminas – entrepreneur. Has two grandchildren – slightly older Austëja and little Gediminas.
