The Health Minister is calling on GPs to return to talks over free GP care for under-6s but is warning them that government sets policy, not doctors.

James Reilly was speaking after the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) held a meeting of GPs in Dublin yesterday, during which they outlined their opposition to the plans which they say will cause practices to face financial ruin.

The IMO say they have written to the Minister with responsibility for Primary Care Alex White, calling on him to begin comprehensive negotiations on all the issues.

The body has also invited him to attend an emergency national meeting of GPs, which has been called at the end of this month.

In the letter, the IMO says it rejects the basis for the Minster's "refusal so far to negotiate on fees and reminds the Minster that the IMO has negotiated with the State for many years on fees and all other aspects of GP services which has resulted in value for money for the State and better services for patients".

Dr. Ray Walley, Chairman of the IMO GP Committee, says there can be no negotiations with the Minister unless the issue of fees is included.

"It is inconceivable that on this crucial issue the Minister is not only ruling out negotiations on fees but stating that any fees determined by the Minister can be varied at any time by the Minister" he said.

Health Minister James Reilly says he is willing to talk to the GPs about the plans. But he says the policy is a key objective of the coalition.