The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has disputed claims by the Department of Health that cuts to GPs under FEMPI amount to 24%.

According to the IMO, which represents doctors nationwide, FEMPI (financial emergency measures in the public interest) cuts to general practice have had a seriously detrimental impact on GPs and their patients.

The IMO has repeatedly claimed that the cuts introduced under FEMPI have reduced payments to GPs by 38% over the last decade.

However, a report on RTÉ's Morning Ireland radio show stated that according to a Department of Health briefing paper supplied to RTÉ, the cuts to GP fees under FEMPI amount to 24%.

"Since 2009, GPs providing services to patients who have a medical card or a doctor-only visit card have suffered three cuts to fees and supports under FEMPI, and reductions to fees to care for those over 70.

"These cuts have had varying affects depending on the type of practice and the location of practice. For example, in rural areas or those GPs with a high number of nursing home patients, the cuts are actually over 40%. The average cut across all GP services is 38%," the IMO insisted.

It said that cuts made under FEMPI have never been restored and this is having a major detrimental impact on GP services. Many GPs are no longer able to take on new patients and patients are having to wait longer to be seen.

Practices are also closing down and whole communities are being left without a GP. Meanwhile, no new practices are opening as younger GPs are choosing to emigrate.

This issue is one of many due to be discussed at the IMO's Annual General Meeting in Killarney from April 5-8.