The junior health minister says if a bailout to cover the cost of free GP care for under-6s is needed before the end of the year then it will be found.

The comments from Kathleen Lynch come despite warnings from Cabinet ministers that no supplementary estimates would be given out this year.

The scheme, which will allow children under-6 visit the doctor for free, is expected to be in place by July.

Contracts are set to be issued to GPs in the coming weeks.

Minister Lynch told the Dáil that the €36m expected to fund the scheme this year will not be taken from other services.