GPs call for five times their funding to improve care

General Practitioners are calling for a five fold increase in their allocation of the health care budget, to around €650m.

GPs currently receive just 2% of funds, compared to 9% in other European countries.

The Irish Medical Organisation, which represents GPs, said the budget allocation has been cut by 7% over the last five years.

The number of patients with either medical cards or GP visit cards has risen by 38% during the same period.

Dr Ray Walley, the Chair of the IMO GP Committee, said a better budget allocation will allow for increased services and staffing numbers.

He said the increased budget would allow for a "corresponding increase" in care standards.