Budget 2020

Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society said: “Measures such as the carbon tax and the charge on nitrogen oxide aimed at achieving lower levels of ambient air pollution are to be commended, particularly in light of the recent EPA report on World Lung Day.

However, we would like to see the government launch and implement its National Clean Air Strategy as a priority. We believe that any funds raised from this new charge on Nitrogen Oxide (expected €20 million) should be put into tackling air pollution.

On the €30m in carbon tax which is to be reinvested in a 'just transition' fund to support the five midlands counties where Bord na Mona is a significant employer - we recognise the economic and cultural implications of a move away from solid fuel but the importance of tackling air pollution simply must be a priority.”

Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society, said “We welcome an increase of 50c excise on cigarettes. We believe that this increase will encourage individuals to give up smoking. Ultimately this measure saves lives.

However, we believe more actions need to be taken to in order to achieve a smoke-free Ireland by 2025. Protecting people from second-hand smoke should be a priority and funds raised from this increase should be used to enforce a smoking ban to public places that the current smoking ban does not extend to - such as parks and bus stops. People need adequate supports to help them quit smoking and there is a need to expand and further fund initiatives and campaigns under the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme.

 Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society said: “We welcome reductions in prescription charges and the decrease in the threshold of the Drugs Payment Scheme.   However, for people with asthma the high costs of controller medication to the individual or the family also prove prohibitive. Many forgo taking controller medication and rely instead on cheaper reliever inhalers when experiencing an attack. This is an extremely dangerous practice; reliever inhalers are often insufficient to combat severe asthma attacks and overreliance can further exacerbate the condition.  A reduction in asthma medication specifically is required”.

Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society said: “We welcome this increase and we believe it will greatly help older people who struggle to afford their asthma medications. However, for people with asthma the high costs of controller medication to the individual or the family also prove prohibitive. Many forgo taking controller medication and rely instead on cheaper reliever inhalers when experiencing an attack. This is an extremely dangerous practice; reliever inhalers are often insufficient to combat severe asthma attacks and overreliance can further exacerbate the condition.  A reduction in asthma medication specifically is required”