Asthma Society calls for free MART inhalers for children and young people in new policy proposal

The proposal was submitted last week during Asthma Awareness Week and forms a key part of our advocacy priorities ahead of Budget 2027.

Under national and international asthma guidelines, MART inhalers – which combine a preventer medication (inhaled corticosteroid) and a reliever medication in one inhaler – are now recognised as the preferred treatment approach for many people with asthma. Evidence shows MART can significantly reduce asthma attacks, improve day-to-day asthma control, support better adherence to treatment, and reduce over-reliance on reliever inhalers.

Despite this, many patients in Ireland continue to rely heavily on older-style reliever-only treatment approaches, which are associated with poorer asthma outcomes and increased risk of severe flare-ups.

The Asthma Society is warning that cost remains a major barrier to accessing MART treatment, particularly for families already managing the financial burden of asthma and other chronic conditions.

Why we are calling for change

The proposal highlights adolescence as a particularly important time for intervention.

As young people begin managing their asthma more independently, adherence to preventative treatment often declines. Many teenagers rely on reliever inhalers alone to manage symptoms, rather than treating the underlying inflammation causing their asthma.

This can lead to:

• Increased risk of severe asthma attacks
• More emergency department visits and hospitalisations
• Missed school days and reduced participation in sport
• Poorer long-term lung health

MART inhalers help address this by simplifying treatment and ensuring anti-inflammatory medication is delivered whenever symptoms occur.

For many adolescents, MART represents a simpler and more effective way to manage asthma than relying on separate reliever and preventer inhalers. Because the reliever and controller medications are combined in one inhaler, every use helps treat both asthma symptoms and the underlying inflammation driving them. This simplifies treatment, supports better adherence, and aligns day-to-day symptom management with long-term asthma control.

The approach is aligned with modern clinical guidance and has been shown to reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks compared with more traditional treatment approaches. Good asthma care is not simply about relieving symptoms in the moment, but about preventing avoidable harm and supporting better long-term health outcomes.

The Asthma Society believes introducing free MART inhalers for children and young people aged 12–17 would represent a practical, evidence-based investment in better long-term health outcomes.

Benefits for patients and the healthcare system

Research consistently shows that MART treatment:

• Reduces asthma exacerbations
• Improves asthma control
• Reduces emergency healthcare use
• Improves quality of life for people with asthma

Expanding access would also help reduce avoidable pressure on GPs, emergency departments and hospitals over time.

CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Eilís Ní Chaithnía, said:

“Children and young people with asthma should have access to the most effective treatment available, regardless of cost. MART inhalers are now recognised internationally as best-practice care for many people with asthma, yet too many families are struggling to afford them.”

“This is a practical and achievable measure that could help prevent serious asthma attacks, reduce hospital admissions, and support children to live full, active lives.”

Continuing advocacy ahead of Budget 2027

We will continue to advocate to Government and policymakers over the coming months to advocate for improved access to MART treatment as part of the lead-up to Budget 2027.

We will also continue to emphasise the importance of early intervention, good asthma control, regular asthma reviews, and access to trusted support services for families managing asthma.