Critics of free GP care have described plans for its extension as 'a poorly disguised attempt to buy votes'.

Fianna Fáil have dismissed the Health Minister Leo Varadkar's pledge to extend free GP care to all children under the age of 18 as a "pre-election gimmick".

Members of the opposition have already criticised the Leo Varadkar's announcement to extend free GP care to under-18s as a pre-election gimmick.

The Government’s free GP care for the under-6s plan will cost double the amount originally planned with a supplementary budget likely to be needed to fund the initiative.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has said that it is almost impossible to strike a deal on free GP care for the under 6s that completely satisfies all sides involved.

The Irish Medical Organisation has reached agreement with the Government to provide free GP care for under-6s.

The Government has ramped up the pressure on doctors over health service reform plans by insisting free GP care for children under six and the elderly will be introduced by summer.

The President of the Irish Medical Organisation has said GPs are angry and agitated over plans for free GP care for children under six.

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The Cabinet-signalled free GP care for children under six will be pushed through by July, despite the medical profession insisting the initiative is unworkable.