All children and people over 70 will get free GP care by 2016 under a new timetable drawn up by Health Minister Leo Varadkar.

This means, however, that the Government is unlikely to deliver on its promise of free GP care for the entire population by 2016. Instead, it will provide GP care to younger and older age groups in the population by that date.

Under the new plan agreed by the Government, children under six will get free GP visit cards later this year, subject to agreement with GP representatives.

It is planned to extend free GP visits to all primary school children and all over 70s next year, while children in secondary school will will be entitled to free GP visits in 2016.

The Government will have to reach agreement with GPs for the extension of free GP care to these groups in the population.

The doctors' union, the IMO, expects negotiations to take place on payments to GP for treating these groups of patients free of charge at the point of delivery regardless of income. GPs stand to lose many private patients as a result of new groups being given entitlement to GP visits without fees.

A recent framework agreement between former primary care Minister Alex White and the IMO paved the way for talks to take place on GP payments under the extension of medical card eligibility.

Should agreement be reached between the IMO and the Government on the under sixes deal or other GP services, it will be up to individual GPs to decide on whether to accept a new deal, and the IMO cannot advise members collectively whether or not to accept such a deal.

The final determination of the fees to be paid is vested in the Minister, following consultations with the IMO.

The Government had originally promised GP care for the entire population by 2016. It now appears to have rowed back on this promise, following a number of delays in rolling out free GP care.

Minister Varadkar says he wants to reach agreement with GPs on extending free care.