Call for more investment in lung health as part of Budget 2027

Respiratory organisations mark World Lung Day with call for action in next month’s Budget announcement

Increased investment in lung health is needed in next month’s Budget announcement to address gaps in diagnosis, treatment and specialist services, leading respiratory organisations have said.

In an event this week the groups highlighted deficiencies in access to timely diagnosis, standardised and evidence-based care and specialist services.

They also called for sustained investment in respiratory research and disease registries, alongside action to address preventable risks to lung health, including air pollution, climate change and smoking.

The event was organised by the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) and took place ahead of World Lung Day on Friday.

“Respiratory illness touches families in every community in Ireland, and too many patients are still not getting the care they require,” said ASI CEO Eilís Ní Chaithnía.

“That need is especially clear as we move into winter. Cold weather, mould and infections make this a dangerous time for people with asthma, and the sharp rise in calls to our Adviceline shows just how many families are looking for trusted support.

“Standing together with our colleagues across the sector, we asked politicians to back real, practical change in Budget 2027 so that every patient can get the care they need.”

The event also involved the Irish Thoracic Society, 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, and representatives from the Paediatric Severe Asthma Registry.

A patient survey carried out in April by ASI found that 46 per cent of people feel asthma places a financial strain on their household. One-in-ten said their child had gone without their prescribed asthma medication during the previous three months because they could not afford it.

To help address these costs, the charity is calling for the phased introduction of free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhalers, starting with children aged 12 to 17 at a cost of €12.1 million to the state. This would help tens of thousands of families access this treatment, recommended by Irish and international clinical guidelines.

“World Lung Day is an important opportunity to focus on the very real challenges facing people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions,” said Fine Gael TD and Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health Colm Burke.

“No child should have to go without prescribed medication because their family cannot afford it, and I believe the proposal to introduce free MART inhalers for young people aged 12 to 17 deserves serious consideration.”

He added: “We also need continued investment in respiratory research, disease registries and services so that policy is informed by good evidence and patients can access the care they need. I welcome the respiratory organisations coming together to put these practical issues directly on the agenda.”