The Asthma Society of Ireland called on the Government to fund free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhalers for children aged 12 to 17, estimating the cost at €12.1 million in Budget 2027. While welcoming commitments to strengthen community care and expand diagnostic activity in Budget 2027, the Asthma Society of Ireland stated that missing the phased introduction of free MART inhalers for this specific age group represents a missed opportunity for children’s health.
Budget 2027 Funding Decision Misses Central Recommendation
The central recommendation of the Asthma Society’s Pre-Budget Submission 2027, titled Backing Every Breath, Building Better Care, requested €12.1 million from the State to provide free combination inhalers to tens of thousands of families. According to Eilís Ní Chaithnía, Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma Society of Ireland, the administration failed to seize the chance during the Budget to enhance asthma management among children, stop serious flare-ups, and cut unnecessary strain on the healthcare system. The organisation’s costed proposal aimed to remove financial barriers to clinically recommended treatments for adolescents.
Financial Strain and Medication Access Reported by Families
Research published by the Asthma Society indicates that 46% of people feel asthma places a financial strain on their household, based on a patient survey carried out in April 2026. One in 10 respondents—representing 9% of those surveyed—reported that their child went without prescribed asthma medication during the preceding three months because they could not afford it. Michelle Cusack Sexton, whose daughter Gemma lives with asthma, noted that the cost of managing the condition continues to place a monthly strain on her family despite the clinical benefits of moving to a MART inhaler.
Adolescent Adherence Risks Challenge Asthma Treatment Guidelines
Irish and international clinical guidelines recommend Maintenance and Reliever Therapy as the preferred treatment for most individuals with asthma aged 12 years and older. MART uses a single combination inhaler for both daily prevention and symptom relief, which clinical evidence shows reduces severe attacks and keeps patients out of hospital. Adolescence presents particular management challenges because responsibility for care shifts from parents to young people, causing treatment adherence to decline and increasing the risk of emergency hospital admissions.
Broader Care Roadmap Outlined for Respiratory Health
Alongside affordable access to MART inhalers, the Pre-Budget Submission outlines a broader programme of investment to improve asthma care across Ireland. The organisation’s proposals feature enhanced availability of objective asthma diagnostics in primary and community settings, funding for specialised severe asthma care encompassing national patient registries and Advanced Nurse Practitioners, wider vaccine availability for vulnerable populations, and backing for the state reimbursement of Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) targeting house dust mite allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions About MART Inhalers and Budget 2027
What is Maintenance and Reliever Therapy?
Maintenance and Reliever Therapy uses a single combination inhaler for both daily prevention and symptom relief. Clinical evidence shows it reduces severe asthma attacks, improves asthma control, and helps keep patients out of hospital.
How much would free MART inhalers cost the State?
The Asthma Society of Ireland estimated that the phased introduction of free MART inhalers, starting with children aged 12 to 17, would cost the State €12.1 million.
What percentage of families reported missing medication due to cost?
A patient survey carried out in April 2026 found that 9% of respondents—representing 1 in 10 families—said their child had gone without prescribed asthma medication during the previous three months because they could not afford it.
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