Leading respiratory organisations in Ireland are calling for increased investment in lung health during the upcoming Budget announcement to address gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and specialist services. Ahead of World Lung Day, groups including the Asthma Society of Ireland and the Irish Thoracic Society highlighted systemic deficiencies in patient care and urged politicians to fund practical reforms.
Budget 2027 Demands and Financial Strain on Families
Respiratory illness impacts communities nationwide, yet many patients struggle to access timely diagnoses and evidence-based care as winter approaches. According to Eilís Ní Chaithnía, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, cold weather, mould, and seasonal infections create dangerous conditions for vulnerable populations, driving a sharp rise in calls to the organization’s Adviceline. To combat these challenges, a broad coalition of health organizations is lobbying for sustained investment in respiratory research and disease registries in Budget 2027.
Financial burdens remain a significant barrier to proper disease management. A patient survey conducted in April by the Asthma Society of Ireland revealed that 46 per cent of households feel asthma places a direct strain on their finances. One in ten respondents reported that their child had gone without prescribed asthma medication over a three-month period due to affordability issues.
To alleviate these costs, the charity advocates for the phased introduction of free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhalers. Starting with children aged 12 to 17, this targeted rollout would cost the state €12.1 million and ensure tens of thousands of families can access treatments endorsed by both Irish and international clinical guidelines.
Political Response and Sector-Wide Support
Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD and Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health, acknowledged the severity of these challenges leading up to World Lung Day. He stated that no child should miss out on essential medication because of household financial constraints, noting that the proposal for free MART inhalers for young people aged 12 to 17 warrants serious consideration.
The campaign is backed by a united front of clinical and advocacy groups. Alongside the Asthma Society of Ireland and the Irish Thoracic Society, the coalition includes:
- The Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland
- COPD Support Ireland
- Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland
- The Climate and Health Alliance
- The Tobacco Free Generation Alliance
- Pulmonary Hypertension Ireland
- Representatives from the Paediatric Severe Asthma Registry
In addition to medication costs, these organizations emphasize the need to tackle preventable risks to lung health, including smoking, air pollution, and climate change, ensuring that future health policy relies on strong clinical evidence.