Doctors union has said there can be no extension of free GP care to under 12s until the new GP contract is completed.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) told the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and the Minister for Primary Care Kathleen Lynch at a face-to-face meeting that they categorically rule out any extension of Free GP Care to children under 12 in advance of the introduction of a new GP Contract.

The (IMO) has said it was surprised when Leo Varadkar made the announcement as part of the Budget.

The organisation has said the new contract must be for the existing cohort of patients and must address matters such as chronic disease management, rural supports, deprivation supports and additional services like minor surgery.

Chair of the IMO GP Committee, Dr Padraig McGarry, set out the IMO position.

“There is no question of General Practice being in a position to cope with a cohort of additional patients until such time as a new contract dealing with the needs of existing patients is completed,” Dr Padraig McGarry said.

Dr. McGarry said that the new contract must be for the existing cohort of patients and must address matters such as chronic disease management, rural supports, deprivation supports and additional services (eg: minor surgery).