Asthma Society of Ireland criticises Budget 2027 for omitting MART inhalers

The Irish government omitted free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy inhalers for adolescents from Budget 2027, drawing criticism from the Asthma Society of Ireland on October 7, 2026. The decision leaves a phased rollout unfinanced that would have cost the State €12.1 million to supply combination inhalers to children aged 12 to 17. While the funding package excluded the therapy, the Asthma Society welcomed separate provisions within the budget aimed at strengthening community care and expanding diagnostic activity.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Budget 2027 failed to fund free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhalers for children aged 12 to 17, a measure estimated to cost €12.1 million.
• Current clinical guidelines recommend MART combination inhalers for daily prevention and quick relief, which lowers severe attack rates and emergency hospital admissions.
• An April 2026 patient survey found that 46 percent of households experience financial strain from asthma, with 9 percent of children skipping prescriptions due to cost.

Financial Barriers Persist for Adolescent Asthma Management

Adolescence represents a critical window for respiratory health as management responsibilities transition from parents to young patients, a phase where treatment adherence frequently drops. According to the Asthma Society of Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission 2027, titled Backing Every Breath, Building Better Care, MART inhalers combine maintenance and reliever medications into a single device to simplify daily routines. Clinical evidence shows that this combined approach reduces severe asthma attacks and limits emergency hospital admissions. Despite these clinical recommendations, the higher purchase price of MART inhalers keeps the treatment out of reach for many households.

Recent data published by the Asthma Society illustrates the economic strain facing families across the country. A patient survey conducted in April 2026 revealed that nearly half of all respondents feel asthma creates a household financial burden. One in ten parents reported that their child went without prescribed asthma medication during the preceding three months because of prohibitive costs. Eilís Ní Chaithnía, Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma Society of Ireland, stated in the group’s announcement that the government missed a clear opportunity to improve pediatric asthma control and relieve avoidable pressure on the national health service by leaving the €12.1 million proposal unfunded.

Budget 2027 Increases Community Care and Diagnostic Activity

The budget exclusions contrast with broader investments welcomed by patient advocates. Budget 2027 included targeted commitments to reinforce community-based care and increase diagnostic activity. Michelle Cusack Sexton, a parent whose daughter manages asthma, noted that transitioning to a MART inhaler transformed her child’s symptom control following a severe attack, though monthly expenses continue to create financial pressure.

Beyond the primary recommendation for adolescent MART provision, the Asthma Society’s submission outlines several supplementary investments required to address chronic respiratory disease in Ireland. Those proposals include expanding access to objective asthma diagnostics in primary and community care, investing in specialist severe asthma services and Advanced Nurse Practitioners, widening vaccination access for vulnerable populations, and supporting reimbursement for Sublingual Immunotherapy targeting house dust mite allergies. Ní Chaithnía confirmed that advocacy efforts will continue across the political spectrum until funded access to MART inhalers is secured for all patients who require them.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.