Members of the Irish Medical Organisation are gathering in Sligo today for their council's AGM.

The issue of GPs emigrating is expected to top the agenda, as figures suggest they are currently leaving Ireland at rate of one per day.

More than 1,000 general practitioners emigrated to the UK alone, between 2009 and 2013.

The IMO stated that the incoming government is facing an “unprecedented crisis” in public health, which needs immediate investment.

IMO president Dr Ray Walley said that the current contract and approach to General Practice is out of date.

"The contract that has existed for General Practice is 40 years old, it does not address the modern needs of General Practice," he said.

"The major thing that we've got coming down the line is an aging population with an increased chronic care need.

"And all the international studies for the last 30 or 40 years indicate the best place to treat that in General Practice community care - and we're not funding that."