The Health Minister has pledged to extend free GP care to all children.

Speaking ahead of the announcement at the MacGill Summer School in Co Donegal, Leo Varadkar said the extension would be brought in if the Government is re-elected - and would first apply to under-12s - before covering all children.

Fianna Fáil has already hit out at his announcement as kite-flying and an election gimmick - with no clear path on funding.

Minister Leo Varadkar says he believes free GP care for all children is achievable and can be funded:

It follows the introduction of free GP Care for the under-sixes this year - a move which has met some resistance from many of the country's doctors.

Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch earlier said that while the majority of consultants support the 'Vision For Change module' - there are still professionals who "don’t want to work there or who feel they are not answerable to anyone.”

"She says patients can be worried that they can’t speak out about these professionals - who ‘could be sitting in front of them next week."

Minister Kathleen Lynch is appealing to resistant consultants to fall in line.