The Health Minister Leo Varadkar has called on GPs to "seize the opportunity" of the transition to universal health.

It comes as more than 350 GPs take to the streets of Dublin to voice opposition to cutbacks by successive governments.

They gathered from across the country outside the Dáil.

The National Association of GPs (NAGP) is worried that patient safety and well-being are at stake. The group says this is the first time that GPs have been motivated enough to leave their practices to protest.

One of their main concerns are the plans for free GP care for children under-6.

They say it will take medical cards away from people who need it in order to give it to the under-6 population. They add that more 40% of under-6's have currently medical cards.

GPs held a press conference at Buswells Hotel | Image: Paraic Gallagher

NAGP says there are currently 3,000 GPs in Ireland, 22% of which are part time.

It suggests that another 500 GPs are necessary to bring the country in line with the OECD average numbers of GP per capita. The group also says many young GPs are emigrating instead of working in Ireland.

Dr Conor McGee is the group president, and he says many practices are now unviable:

The group emphasises that "there will be there will be no withdrawal of service and adequate medical cover will be in place for all patients during the course of the protest."

'The same problems are facing everyone'

The Health Minister Leo Varadkar has said "I fully acknowledge that GPs are under pressure, both financially and in terms of workload. The same problems are facing everyone in the health service."

"Nevertheless, more GPs are taking up contracts with the HSE. Latest figures show there were 2,416 GPs contracted to the HSE in April 2014 compared to 2,258 at the end of 2010."

"Similarly, payments to GPs under the GMS contract have risen to €447m in 2013, compared to €438m in 2011."

"The government wants to increase resources to primary care as part of the transition to universal health."

"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," Mr Varadkar added.