My son, like many children, suffers from serious allergies that impact his daily life. In Ireland, there are currently over 20,000 children with peanut allergies alone, and yet, no clear timeline exists for the rollout of Oral Immunotherapy Services nationally—a treatment that could dramatically improve their quality of life.

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising treatment that has shown significant success internationally in reducing allergic reactions. Immunotherapy is a medical treatment that aims to desensitise your immune system to the food you are allergic to, meaning you’re less likely to have a reaction. It does this by gradually exposing you to small amounts of that food under careful supervision, slowly building up the amounts over the weeks and months. For countless families affected by severe allergies, this treatment offers hope for a safer, more normal life.

Successful implementation could mean the difference between constant fear and reclaimed freedom for these children and their parents.

Despite its potential, Ireland has yet to establish an actionable plan to make OIT accessible. We urgently need to push for government and health service intervention to include this therapy in our medical offerings. Given the staggering statistic that over 20,000 young people suffer from peanut allergies alone, time is of the essence.

The introduction and proper funding of Oral Immunotherapy Services could save lives and significantly enhance the day-to-day experiences of those living with severe allergies. Parents and guardians, like myself, must come together to maintain the visibility of this conversation, reminding policymakers of its importance not just for today’s children but for future generations as well.

Join me in urging the Irish health authorities to prioritise this necessary service and formalise a timeline for its rollout. Help make Ireland a safer place for our children with allergies. Please sign this petition and share it with others who understand the gravity of this reality.

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