Tristan Casson-Rennie, CEO of FASD Ireland, has today expressed deep disappointment at the Irish Government’s 2026 Budget, describing it as “Failing People living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Ignoring Alcohol Related Harm”.

Echoing the Disability Federation of Ireland’s (DFI) assessment that the Budget is “a betrayal of disabled people, stripping away vital supports, deepening poverty”, Casson-Rennie said “This Budget does nothing to recognise or support the many thousands of people across Ireland living with FASD — one of the most prevalent yet most neglected neurodevelopmental conditions,” he said. “The recent RCSI report, ‘FASD in Ireland – Wellbeing, Living Experience and the Need for Change’, clearly shows the challenges faced by individuals and families every day. Yet today’s Budget offers them nothing — no plan, no funding, and no recognition.”

“Once again, the Government has failed to acknowledge the real harm caused by alcohol in our society. Not a single cent of new tax has been placed on alcohol, and there is no mention whatsoever of an Alcohol Related Harm Fund — a measure long recommended by FASD Ireland and Alcohol Action Ireland. Such a fund operates successfully in countries like New Zealand, where it supports prevention, awareness, and early intervention. Ireland could and should do the same,” Casson-Rennie said.

He also criticised the Government’s continued failure to abolish the means testing of carers, calling it “demeaning and unjust.”

“Parents and carers continue to endure almost forensic interrogation just to qualify for a basic state payment — for doing one of the hardest jobs imaginable: staying at home to care for a child or adult with significant needs. It’s indefensible that this continues in 2026,” he added.

Casson-Rennie concluded by calling for urgent political will to address the growing crisis and silent epidemic of FASD in Ireland. With the recent publication of FASD Ireland's research concluded by Royal College Surgeons Ireland, now is the time to act.

“This Budget was a chance to show leadership, compassion, and foresight. Instead, it shows indifference. People with FASD, their families, and carers deserve far better.”