In this episode of Disability Matters, Patrick O’Donnell speaks with Anna‑Marie Bork, Senior Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at the Asthma Society of Ireland. With more than 450,000 people in Ireland living with asthma, Anna‑Marie brings vital insight into how asthma affects people’s lives — and what needs to change.
“Asthma is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition,” she said. “But too often, it’s underestimated — and that has real consequences.”
What the Survey Revealed
Between May and June 2025, the Asthma Society carried out a national survey of over 600 people living with asthma, or parents of children with asthma. The goal? To gather real-life experiences to shape their pre-budget submission.
What they found was deeply concerning:
- 1 in 4 people had to skip medication in the past three months due to cost.
- More than half reported financial stress directly related to asthma.
- 25% had fallen behind on rent or electricity payments in the last year.
- 26% couldn’t afford basics like shoes or new clothes.
“Asthma isn’t just a health issue — it’s a financial one too,” said Anna‑Marie.
What Needs to Change
Informed by the survey, the Asthma Society’s pre-budget submission outlines several key demands:
- Subsidisation of asthma medications, starting with combination inhalers.
- Lowering the Drug Payment Scheme threshold from €80 to €72.
- Abolishing prescription charges for those with medical cards.
- Investment in severe asthma care, including advanced nurse practitioners and respiratory physiologists.
- Faster access to new medications, like Tizapelamab, currently delayed by red tape.
“Combination inhalers are the gold standard for asthma care, but at €85 each, many patients simply can’t afford them,” she explained. “This is something very concrete that the Government could fix in Budget 2026.”
Warmer Homes, Healthier Lives
Beyond medication, the Society is calling for investment in targeted home energy upgrades through the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Originally based on the “Warmth & Wellbeing” pilot, this scheme has already shown that energy efficiency can:
- Reduce asthma symptoms
- Lower the need for medication
- Cut down GP and hospital visits
“For someone with asthma, a damp or cold home can make every breath harder,” Anna‑Marie said. “We want this scheme to reach more people with respiratory illness — especially those living in or at risk of energy poverty.”
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
The Asthma Society also advocates for stronger tobacco control, including:
- A €0.50 increase in cigarette tax
- Implementation of the e-liquid tax (already legislated but not enacted)
- Increased funding for tobacco cessation services
“There’s no question — reducing smoking improves asthma outcomes,” she said. “We need to make quitting easier and more accessible.”
Understanding Severe Asthma
While only 3–10% of asthma patients have severe asthma, they account for over half of asthma-related healthcare costs. The Society is pushing for:
- A national registry for severe asthma to improve care planning
- Recruitment of advanced nurse practitioners in every clinic
- Filling long-vacant respiratory physiologist roles to support diagnosis
- Increased access to biologic medications
“These patients face high hospitalisation and even risk of death. They need more than treatment — they need systems that work for them.”
A Trusted Voice for 50 Years
Founded over 50 years ago, the Asthma Society of Ireland is the country’s leading voice for people with asthma. The organisation provides education, supports research, and offers free patient services like the Asthma Advice Line.
📞 Free Asthma Advice Line: 1800 44 54 64
Appointments available with asthma nurse specialists for tailored, confidential support.
Final Words
“If there are two things I’d want people to take away,” said Anna‑Marie, “it’s this:
- Use our services. They are here to help and they make a difference.
- Contact your local TD. If you or someone you love is living with asthma, we really encourage you to contact your local TD and ask them to support the Asthma Society’s pre-budget submission. Every voice counts and one extra voice could be decisive.”
Disability Matters airs every Thursday at 4PM on Phoenix 92.5FM, with repeats on Monday at 3PM and Tuesday at 7AM & 3PM.
🎧 Podcasts available after each show on Mixcloud and at bcil.ie/radio.
Learn more about the Asthma Society at asthma.ie.