GPs take to streets to protest collapse of Government funding

A group of doctors have taken to the streets to protest over Government funding.

The National Association of General Practitioners staged the demonstration outside the Dáil, claiming successive Governments have refused to fund the service.

They are highlighting the number of practices closing down and the number of newly qualified GPs being forced to go abroad for work.

Greystones based Doctor Ciara Kelly said today's protest really was a last resort.

"It is unprecedented… you will not find a more conservative, middle-aged, middle-class bunch of people," she said.

"I think some people within our own profession are shocked that their colleagues, and that their friends and their partners are taking to the streets."

In a statement released earlier, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said he "fully acknowledges" the pressure GPs are under, but said "the same problems are facing everyone in the health service."

He also highlighted that more GPs are working with the HSE - with 2,416 employed compared to 2,258 in 2010.

"I strongly encourage GPs to seize the opportunity presented by the new contract negotiations and the proposal to extend GP care without fees to the under sixes and over 70s as the best way to get more resources into General Practice. It's an opportunity that shouldn’t be lost,” he said.