The Asthma Society of Ireland is urging the Government to address the growing affordability crisis facing asthma patients in Budget 2026. 

A new survey of 104 healthcare professionals and 627 asthma patients (or their parents) has revealed widespread concern over cost-related non-adherence, with many healthcare professionals reporting that patients are regularly forced to skip or ration their medication.

Over 90% of surveyed healthcare professionals reported that, in their clinical experience, patients delay or avoid purchasing prescribed asthma medication due to cost - while 85% observed patients have modifying their medication usage patterns, such as skipping doses or reducing frequency, due to cost concerns. 64% of healthcare professionals surveyed support full subsidisation of asthma medication in Budget 2026. Over three quarters (75.9%) of healthcare professionals surveyed observed a correlation between poor housing and asthma exacerbations in their patients. 

The Society’s pre-budget submission calls for phased subsidisation of asthma medications that prioritises combination inhalers, increased capacity in the healthcare system, and free home energy upgrades for low-income households. 

The Asthma Society is also calling for the Government to ensure that every severe asthma clinic in the country is resourced with at least one fully qualified advanced nurse practitioner, and that funding is ring-fenced to re-open and fill previously unfilled respiratory physiologist posts.