The annual conference of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) will not now hear from the Health Minister this year.

James Reilly has had to cancel his address in Kilkenny because he is unwell.

The INMO will hear his speech delivered by the Secretary-General Ambrose of his department, McLoughlin, instead.

Other engagements planned for the Minister today and tomorrow have also been called off.

A group of doctors meanwhile says the most vulnerable could lose out, if plans to give free GP care to under-6s are implemented.

The issue will be discussed by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) at its annual meeting, which gets underway in Galway today.

Chair of Communications with the ICGP Darach O'Ciardha says doctors are concerned that the sickest patients will be hardest hit by the plan.

He says Minister Reilly needs to realise his current crackdown on medical cards is impacting severely and GPs are constantly battling under-resourcing of the health service.